Ideally, I will only have to physically be at the house if I feel like doing some work.

THis is important because it tells the investor how quickly (and successfully) they can move their (cash) money through their investments, and how long it will take for them to recover their cost (what they physically put into these deals...in cash).When you are looking at return on your dollar, your mortgage payment (any part of it) shouldn't be included at all if you have positive cash flow. 

For example to become a licensed broker where I operate (Ohio) you need to go through government background checks, have worked in real estate as a sales agent under another broker for at least 2 years, have a college degree, have a physical store front with office hours, have done at least 40 transactions and much more that I can't think of off the top of my head right now.

I summarize the under writing and business plan but I reccomend you read some books on the subject to gain a more in depth understanding which will go a long way in helping you build your portfolio in the future.I start my business plans with market data.You need to find out the following about your market/ sub marketAverge rentsAre rents trending up or downIs it cheaper to rent or own a home What is the median income in your marketWhat is the average occupancy What is average appreciation in your marketWhat are the laws that may apply to your rental investment in your area ie rent control, optional property tax increases.Once you know these thing you can get a good idea as to the supply and demand of rentals in you market and start to make educated assumptions about how yours will perform in the future.Next under writtingFirst understand real estate investment is primarily to things rolled into the same investment firstly an asset( the physical building and the land it sits on) and the business in the building (the tenent/s, cashflow, expenses, and managment.)Not all business make money, and not all investment are winners it's you job to make your business/investment make money.

As far as I know, dishwashers are always hardwired (meaning physically connected to the home's wiring) and there's no requirement for them to be GFCI-protected.  

I would physically start by either A, getting a job working for a property management company, or B, buying a low cost house and diving in. 

So I am thinking of going door to door, cold calling and emails/physical mailing properties that look like they could be deals that are not on MLS.

I'm wondering if anyone is aware of service providers, and also, how this would work:We have our eyes on some auction properties (IE: county auction) - we have funds within a self directed IRA custodial account, and we also have funds outside of this available for these purchases. 

I also believe with regards to Delaware entities, if you don't have a physical presence in the state where you can be served, that the State of Delaware requires you to have a registered agent to accept service of process on your behalf.

Maybe we should contact the national newspapers.I know a few investors that buy completely destroyed houses, work day and night rehabbing them, deal with all the permits needed, engage with often lazy and dishonest construction workers... performing many other mentally, emotionally and physically difficult tasks.