If you have any sort of plan in your head then that can sufficient dependent upon how your mind functions.

@Brian Gibbons  us developer builder types go to the planning department and get a copy of their zoning and lot map.. shows every lot in the city and what its zone.we then stick it on the wall.. and start to identify our targets.. it gives big picture and little picture I am a map nut when it comes to visuals. 

Your profit is made (or lost) on the buy ... and that is a function of what you buy and where as well as the price you paid.

It's a 3 bed, 1.5 bath with a good sized fenced in yard. 1.5 baths is functionally obsolete.

Hello, Im just starting out, I signed up for a few REI functions in my area, and would like to know if it's a good idea to have a company name, and contact phone to put on business cards.  

No, mostly safety-exposed electrical, trip hazards, properly functioning electrical/plumbing, etc. and wood rot, peeling paint(sometimes) functioning kitchen appliances (only if they are present-not required), etc.

For rental condition, make sure everything is clean and functional (and safe) and has amenities similar to those in your area and price range.... no need to make it look like HGTV after shots...Some of these items you list sound cosmetic and it may fair well in your rental market as is or with just some minor fixes (again, I would look at similar units for rent (not sale) in the area to get an idea if formica and older carpet is the norm in your area and price range...)And I would simply look at temporarily blocking off or restricting the fireplace use, clean the carpet, tack on the molding.

I was directed to the Hudson and Marshall website through the hudhomestore site, but once there I used the search function which pulled in other properties that H&M have listed.

how would I go about checking for liens, back taxes and I'm assuming deferred maintenance is a visual inspection?

But I imagine these would be the best:1) Update your fixtures.2) Reglaze the bathtub.3) New blinds.4) Walkway.What those four have in common is that they are fairly inexpensive but increase visual appeal.