2 things that put you ahead of the pack of most new investors - You are working on obtaining a pre-approval which will help you narrow down your search by area, property type and amenities available in your desired price range AND you already have a working relationship with local Realtors.I'd strongly recommend narrowing your list down to 1-2 Investor-friendly Realtors who understand your long-term plan. 

So have several proven buyers in line, work out how to structure a deal with them ahead of time and then make your offers accordingly.

There are probably some local remediation companies out there that you could contact and get a general idea of the cost if you want to plan ahead.

I think you're in CST so 5 hours ahead.

Yes, but you're missing the most important step ahead of it...you need to put together a plan for investing based on your financial needs for both cash flow and personal debt payoff.

You can listen to the herd, take your chances and make from losing money to a small amount, or you can keep your money in your pocket until you know what a sure-thing is and how to find the sure-thing where you can make 50% to 100% on your money, every year.For 5% annual return, or a $200 to $300 per month cash flow property where I have to invest $50,000+ with hundreds of hours of work to purchase and manage, I will be far ahead when keeping my money in my pocket and wipe tables at Mc Donalds since minimum wage in many areas is $15 per hour and I can earn an extra $400 to $600 per week, or $20,000 to $30,000 per year vs. earning $3600 per year on a whim that came with anxiety and will put me in an early grave. 

I am currently working to learn and do as much as possible ahead of me and the family moving to the Las Vegas area in the middle of next year. 

So go ahead, wholesalers, "blackball me"..

Certainly if you take that capital and deploy it correctly you can come out ahead overall.

I can expect them, count on these leads, daily.Not many investors AT ALL use analysis, innovation common sense and logic to get ahead of the herd.I mean think about it.