Looking for cash flowing investments in the single family category w/ a goal of financial freedom in 5 years.Joined BiggerPockets after listening to several of the podcasts.

I'm sure several agents will chime in and will be able to assist you.

There are several experienced tax experts here on the forum such as @Michael Plaks, @Nicholas Aiola and @Brandon Hall. 

I'm looking at a property that has had some work done to it but there are several homes on the same block that are vacant.

I have several notes with different banks as well, gotta go with the best deal.

I am considering agreeing to this provided they submit a nonrefundable payment of $1,000 (two month's mortgage payments) right now up front to hold the property in case they end up bailing and the property goes vacant for several weeks.

As a real estate broker I've done several of these, including for myself and the added layer of protection is worthwhile.

I am doing my research and am ensuring that I have all of the proper reports/forms/legal literature, valuation tools, etc and have several friends who are RE Agents & Loan officers whom I ask questions, BUT I am still lacking information in certain areas.

There are several mobile home park investing groups where folks post properties for sale. 

Based upon the response to your thread sounds like you have several willing to network and give you a hand up .