Instead of blindly deciding between a Big vs Small Bank, I have experienced, that sometimes Big V Small doesn't mean much.

You should really just sit down with an experienced attorney, and a good CPA and banker for that matter, to weigh out your options and really understand the components.

If anyone here is in the Asheville market they will understand the problem with trying to wholesale/flip houses, even for an experienced and well established person.

Some of the big concerns that you'll have buying a house without access is the foundation, possible mold issues, or just a bad layout.I'd never buy a house unseen if I didn't have a crew ready and experienced to deal with whatever we might encounter. 

Just curious if anyone else has experienced let downs like this?

I am an experienced investor who has 75ish transactions going at a time.

I would check with an experienced attorney in your state.Good Luck.

There are many investors who have experienced challenges with 3rd party management (and unapproved concessions are unacceptable).Now the tough love part...it's going to be difficult to make a profit with a $500-600/mth rental purchased for $55K (and impossible with 3rd party management...have to factor in extra vacancy and higher repair cost). 

Experienced investors will want to help you if you show initiative, drive, and genuine interest.

You have the absolute right idea by being willing to bring your skills and talents to the table to benefit someone more experienced than you in exchange for the opportunity to learn.