If several years from now the former owner wanted to buy it back and pay you fair market value at that time you might be OK but before you even think about this deal you need to visit a very good real estate attorney for some advice.Just my opinion, not legal advice.

To evaluate rehab costs, I'm thinking my best bet is to find a vendor who will be willing to visit a property with me during the evaluation and give me an estimate of repairs.

Far as finding a good wholesaler to work with I say visit a local REIA meeting and find out who your real players are.

I suggest you trash all the guru L/O stuff and visit a good attorney as well as your accountant. 

If i have to go visit a work site or talk to a seller my day gets all kind of messed up and i fall behind...and if i travel for work all i can do is work the phone and my REI partner bears all of the burden.As far as good marketing for starting out, craigslist, FSBO websites, MLS, advertisements in local newspapers/greensheet.best of luck!

Dawn was just as nice, knowledgeable, and helpful on my visit as she always is on BP.

Want an example, visit a Walmart Customer Service area.

I think once a visit a couple of local REIA meetings I'll start to narrow my focus.

I suggest you visit a mortgage broker and attorney.

Visit a few lenders, have a pitch package, and try to show them that they need you ... and not the otherway around.