This is a great community and you will learn a lot and the learning never stops.

A Realtor or an appraiser will have access to more data. 

LOL It's still accessible through my site link if you're really interested (rental #5 link)When I say load up the HUD, I don't mean to do anything shady, rather, to include all pre-close costs possible. 

Very helpful when wanting to access untapped equity and reduce DTI.

If I'm virtually wholesaling from out the country how do I go about obtaining the key for the property so that I can give my buyers access to the property?

There is only a few reasons to buy single family houses as a rental, one reason is when you are "house hacking", if there is high demand for it as this time, if I was doing a "Lease Option, and it has a good location, several amenities there and close-by good schools nearby, good retail nearby, public transportation with a nearby bus stop, etc.. 

Decide how much money you have access to, & the zip codes, city or state you want to focus on.

I am hoping the education and access to MLS will aid me in finding better deals. 

I have access to about 20k in reserves for any unexpected issues. i was thinking of using private money to fund the rehab and refinance the property.

But if that is stopping you, then this game may not be for you in the long run anyway.