I’m surprised more people don’t do this regularly, especially if it a good deal.

Are there any REI Networks that meet regularly that you know of and attend in the DMV area?

You also want someone who uses an online PM software for larger projects that you can login to to monitor progress and budgets etc. like Co-construct or BuilderTrend, 

I'd recommend you to understand the process of what they are doing and learn yourself about different strategies you can use to monitor and check that he has taken all options into consideration.

As has been stated on these forums regularly, the seller also benefits greatly given the consistent return of the note and at a much higher rate than one would receive from a bank and with less volatility than would be experienced in the stock market.In my uneducated opinion syndication offers higher potential for return whereas seller financing offers more financial flexibility.

If you have one where you are netting $100 a month but have to be in regular contact with the owner as well as mitigate the inevitable problems that arise when then interact with the tenant directly, the juice is just not worth the squeeze. 

Working directly with sellers is the bulk of the equity capture I need at the buy.Look for tired plexes, carpet and a dumpster in the driveway, yard/moving sale holders, places for rent and to your circle you deal with regularly. 

Should I get an electrical inspection done outside of the regular home inspection since this is an older home? 

If both are at low rates and your credit is good, I would save and buy a rental instead of paying off the loans (obviously continue to make the regular payments). 

Our regular electrician says $6K - $10 to do a house.