I am studying to become a Software Engineer (and hopefully someday design software for REIs).

We've already experienced this, missing out on the chance to bid on property by hours, because someone saw the house on Monday when we wanted to go in on Sunday but didn't get to until Tuesday because my agent was unavailable.

I totally agree, it is a better option to let the experienced professionals handle that.

You can find experienced investors to learn from near you by going to local events here https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happenings

When I see $20-30k rehab estimates on houses that are in complete disrepair it's a sign the wholesaler isn't experienced.

Unless the neighborhood where your property is located has experienced a dramatic shift toward higher income residents, there is no cosmetic upgrade that will give you a return on investment.

It's likely I will not have to pay them for anything related to a purchase or sale (included with plan), therefore I'd like to have someone experienced. 

I am about to jump into purchasing tax deeds and was hoping I could get some experienced opinions on two single family properties.  

However in most circumstances I've seen, the tenant takes the space and completes the fit-out on their own with their own Architect/Engineer & Contractor. 

I am not super experienced with Denver but my hunch would be that a 3bd 2ba SFR in the city would rent for more than 1100