I have been buying real estate since 2019 for my own personal portfolio and have continued to have a desire and curiosity on building outside of my portfolio as n investor.

As Ned said it is very important to inspect the properties to make it is something  of value to secure your investment.

The Gaithersburg REIA is excellent as Ned Carey mentioned (not to mention the massive REIA in Towson and BWI). 

As Ned stated, most mortgages have a due on sale clause, which means the entire balance is due if ownership is transferred.Secondly, if the owner has vacated the house, there's a chance he hasn't kept up with insurance payments or paid the taxes.

As Ned pointed out, you should request an estoppel to verify the exact terms.The estoppel certificate (or estoppel letter) is a form filled out by the tenant and then confirmed by the Landlord.

I wold set up an LLC, as @Ned Carey stated you can elect to be treated as an S-corp for tax purposes or it can be treated as disregarded identity for tax purposes allowing you to report on your individual return.  

As Ned said, you can ease into it, I suggest starting with wholesaling to get your feet wet. 

That has not been my experience but as @Ned Carey mentioned each bank has different internal rules.