If I am self managing my portfolio, what do I need to check/confirm, and what easily available tools are at my disposal (online, other) to help me do this? 

 try one of those online sources like prosper etc. 

A property manager that can assist with rent collection, tenant screening, maintenance, and run an online ledger for us to track expenses.

My first piece of advice would be to always be networking with other wholesalers/investors both online and offline.

Yes, operations is a big part of that, especially for anyone that wants to be a business for the long-term.If I were you, I would be talking to office brokers about partnering more than an online forum.   

There are a lot of websites that offer the course online, or if you have a college near you, they also typically offer a class that satisfies the pre-licensing requirement.

Can't find any reviews online on that.

The builder refuses to send them to you.They state they are 'restricted' or send the type of layout you see online, just boxes, nothing the designer can use.

After some research online, I am reading that the cost per square foot on a gut renovation of this nature in Stamford CT is anywhere from $150-$350, which is ultimately not very helpful, because at $150 per sq ft, this is a very appealing project with a total profit of ~$175K (46% ROI) and at $350 per sq ft, it very much isn't, because it would be a net loss of 83K (haha).QUESTIONS:What can I do refine my estimate a bit given that I am not allowed to a formal inspection on the property? 

Husband is interested investing in them, but I cannot find ANYTHING online about them no reviews ANYTHING!!