If your local municipality has an online court records, go to their website and look up both criminal and civil histories.

Though, it is always better to be "safe than sorry".

Learn and Network:Learn as much as you can about house flipping by using online resources, books, or courses.

Sometimes you get lucky.You could even bring up the subject of seller financing (search online for ideas of how to structure a seller financed offer), and make sure a competent real estate attorney helps write the offer documents (if it gets that far). 

If they are available online or in person.

There's also free services for tenants to pay their rent online which include some light accounting features.

If you know of any online forums or organizations where I can learn from others and expand my network and knowledge on wholesaling or getting my first deal, I’d really appreciate any recommendations Thanks in advance for your help!

You can look those up online through the Secretary of State website most times.Hope that helps!

For residential properties with a basis of less than $1.2 million, check out our online DIY Residential Cost Segregator. 

I have looked around online, but haven't had any luck yet, i have local real estate agent there, but they are not expertised on those distressed properties.