As someone who’s spent years building a real estate business from the ground up, I’ve seen both sides of the equation.

For example, if the roof was "under insured", or if the ground moved below the roof support (I learned recently that  earth movement is not covered under some policies, such as those on the bluffs of Lake Michigan falling into the water).

I have been part of a regular meetup for a couple years now and it definitely helps ground you in your local market.

I recently purchased Jerry Norton's note flipping package, but I'm finding it a bit overwhelming and could really use some guidance.I'm new to note investing and would be grateful for any assistance you could offer.

This would be an out of state investment so I wouldn't have boots on the ground. 

But I’d say the key to success is building a reliable team on the ground.

Don't do any Structural type flips.Reduce the risk and start learning.If the above are to labor intensive, either buy a hill or buy some swamp ground.  

You will need to have the time, understand how to underwrite a real estate deal, understand how to market to buyers and sellers and have the ability to build a team on the ground in the market you choose. 

You had to take their word for it and they had "boots on the ground" who handled everything.  

(Let's put up beware of dogs signs and have a pack of dobermans patrolling the grounds.)