How much do I pay the realtor? 

I’m a new investor looking to do fix and flips, buy and holds, and potentially wholesale deals.

My understanding is that most lenders will file a mortgage lien on the subject property as soon as the loan is signed so as to preserve their rights, but what if the lender did not do so before the borrower defaulted?

Before you do anything, you'd be well served to have an occupancy inspection to see what your municipality will force you to do, before allowing a new person to move in.

Hey Lamar, great to meet you, I have recently ( last 2 years ) been working to break into the same industry, with some success. my advice, talk to sellers. you have a few choices when it comes to how you receive leads, you can do outbound, thats calling.

I do this frequently in Philadelphia where I am located.

Am I allowed to use a private investigator to do a background check on potential tenants, WITHOUT letting the potential tenant know?

I hope you're all doing well.

I do wonder whether horizontal is a bit faddish. 

The plan was to do as much as I can myself but with as big of a task as it is, I don’t see myself being able to do everything in a timely manner.