Do I contact appraisers and local title insurance agencies to begin to find one that I could use? 

Apps like DealMachine can help, but a simple spreadsheet works too.Networking – Connect with local investors, wholesalers, and real estate agents.

This is the value of having someone who has local experience.The company you said, if they are some "remote" company, I guess they could provide the things that you need and save money, but I would hesitate to feel confident if they do not have regional experience and that you would be left vulnerable if issues arise with the design later on. 

I am a local realtor and investor.

Also, look to attend meetups local to you and connect with other investors!

Learning the ins and outs while keeping an eye out for a great deal is a smart approach—knowledge and patience go a long way in this space.

The best part is the free CD is nothing more than a bunch of vague suggestions about how you can make all this money in real estate and vague bragging sessions about how he has been around so long and wants to give you all his knowledge before he croaks (paraphrased) Someday I will be completely immune to the crooks attempts at separating me from my hard earned money.

I would suggest finishing school, working as a part time agent while you are at school, saving commissions for investing, and working with a team that focuses on investing as opposed to residential sales.There are also local meet ups every month. 

I was looking at procuring the flooring from Costco for around $2/sqft and having a local installer put it in, but I should check HD and Lowe's to see what the comparable rates would be.

Local Banks & Credit UnionsSmaller banks and credit unions are more flexible than big lenders and might approve you with:✔ A detailed project plan✔ A licensed subcontractor network✔ Proof of rental income history (since you own rentals)4.