I plan to pursue it further an submit a semi-low offer.  

Ok, I have purchased leads once in my tenure as a lender from Lending Tree----I spent 6 figures a month to purchase leads for me and the others in my office---I learned shortly after engaging Lending Tree that they had there own lending division (lending tree mortgage) and I suspected that they were "cherry picking" the leads and distributed the rest to their customers (Although these leads were semi-exclusive, all of the clients had been contacted by "somebody" else [or several somebody elses]).

Those commute from Central Valley prefer periphery communities as few want to fight several hours going back home.Expect to pay premium rates even for semi-skilled labor also.

they are based in Utah.so its semi Guru back end stuff you see come out of Utah.. and its a great way for a company to make 3k for their turn downs.there has been many a post were borrowers put up the 3k paid for numerous submissions and none of the deals were good enough for their underwriting and they are out all that money.. not to mention a few that lost EM as well thinking they had the loan secured.. now this is documented on numerous BP threads on the company.on the flip side I have seen a few post were folks actually got a loan.Also the owners will come on and say what do you expect this is 100% financing and we are taking all this risk with what are basically and pretty well guaranteed newbies doing their first deal.. if they were not they would be at Lima One or lending home or someone like that.So that's the skinny on this company..

I am going to semi retire by age 50 and fully retire by age 55.

I am looking for semi-passive income, while keeping my day job.  

your in for a fun ride on this one.. however the purchase price reflects..my question would be Sewer and Water ... is this all metered city utls or is it septic tanks and leach fields and well water.In our state any well with over 3 users and you need to start a water company and be regulated by DEQ  semi arduous task.. same with shared sewer.hopefully your on city utls.. and its moot.but other wise good luck I suspect you will have to do forced evictions..

If taxes are paid semi annually, the most you should have to escrow is 8 months of tax and hazard. 

I am also new to the area and a self proclaimed semi-sorta novice to the flipping scene.  

I work with a number of local and semi-local investors ranging from newbies to those that are very experienced, and I would be happy to have a sit down with you to chat about market trends, comp analysis, etc.