I still have a full-time job, but my goal is to start with 1-2 flips/year for the first couple of years, then ramp up to 5+/year.Right now, I’m focused on learning as much as possible—market analysis, deal sourcing, estimating rehab costs, and raising capital.

Now, you can get some wholesalers but they usually don't know if the property will fit the requirements and regulations but you can learn that from the Realtor. 

I have a W-2 job primary and my business partner has another business.

I am also still in school, and I have a part time job.

I know some PM start fixing (small repair job) after new tenant moved in.3.

In Cleveland you can find below market rental ready duplexes that require minor repairs (keep in mind that discounted properties come with their own challenges).

Conventional loans require a year to use the new appraised value which most investors want to use especially if looking to cash out and get out of a hard money loan.

All I can say is that when an investor is the person who's doing the job that a real estate broker is commissioned to do, per state law, that's brokering without a license, which is no bueno and shouldn't be allowed. 

Leverage / down payment required will depend on if you're a U.S. citizen, Green card holder or if you have another immigration status. 

Do you mean it would need an architect because that's required by the jurisdiction, or because the project itself would need an architect's expertise?