I'm planning to move to the area for a job, but who knows what the future holds!

I also did some investigating online and see the renter has a tendency not to hold down a job.I offered asking price (fair market) because it was the sellers bottom line and the fact there were already tenants renting.

Someone who knows and works the area regularly?  

Hold Harmless & Indemnification clausesAs well as other items.

I know people who currently have that, it started a generation ago and probably ends next generation, it's hard to maintain this more than a couple generations because the politics, religion and underlying values can't hold across hundreds of extended family members.The same goes for business/way of life.

I did forget to mention that I have a holding company and an LLC.

The difference between a safety line and a safety net is that a safety net (your words) can break one line and still hold a fish. 

Not necessarily - you can network with wholesalers and investor friendly agents to help you find deals, your learning curve will just be knowing how to evaluate the deals and if they can make sense for flipping or having to hold afterwards.2.

Be sure to explore the tools provided by the BPC, there is a list of top markets that is updated regularly based on a number of criteria. 

This certainly makes the 1031 option (when available) all the more important, since it is now shielding you are 30-ish percent, instead of 15-20%...Not to say it isn't worth it, if you actually qualify, but something to understand, particularly in syndications where you have no say in hold, refi or exit.