I am looking into getting licensed to both manage properties as well as conduct sales.

The destination of your current path is a train wreck.Next, invest in professional training so you know the right way to conduct a wholesaling business. 

You will need them to provide appropriate contracts and issue title insurance and conduct the transfer of funds and document execution.  

My second question is, how does one properly conduct market research?

Must be associated with a Broker to offer services and close deals.Code of Ethics & Conduct apply equally to all realtors

It's in a smaller market, but limited competition so the feasibility study that was conducted came out good along with the pro-forma.  

We always conduct this what-if scenario when looking at a new deal (we follow the BRRRR strategy as well, buying with hard-money and the refi into FNMA on the back end).Andy

If the mailing address is the same as the property address but the home is clearly abandoned, you will need to conduct a skip trace to find updated contact information for your prospect.

The place was extremely well kept, quiet and according to the documents provided to me by listing broker, no one was ever late with their rent payment.After conducting more due diligence into the zoning there was nothing on file or on record differentiating this sort of property from others.

Without any intervention from A or B, the bank will send checks totaling the full $20k once the final draw inspection is conducted and passed because that means 100% of the SOW is completed.