She sent me a letter from Commercial Property Advisors, Peter Harris, which stated she had approval for funds sufficient to cover the purchase price and below it listed a Wells Fargo business account showing funds in excess of the purchase price.

Also just look online and steal some ideas...I used to Google Luxury Kitchens and then figure out how to do the same for less $$.You'll be fine with your experience.

I definitely wouldn't sign a purchase agreement before seeing the property.

For example, should we focus on acquiring one high-quality property in a strong market, or would it make more sense to spread the investment across multiple lower-cost units in emerging areas?

If you are selling for 1M after closing costs you could purchase two 500k properties in your exchange and own one cash and a mortgage on the second.

If they are available online or in person.

Had received an email from this group and spoke with them on the phone yesterday. 

I don't see mcuh on this business partner. 

The rehab expenses don't line up but they are not stealing, I would suggest having a zoom call or sit down with their PM or account manager to see what is not lining up and where you see issues compared to what they have on their sheet. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?