You will need to use an agent if the property is listed on the MLS only because they would have to submit your offer, but if you are paying cash for properties and a seller contacts you directly then draft up a purchase contract that you have an attorney review, then send it over to a reputable title company to handle the transaction.

I'm trying to get a better handle on property analysis and adjustments that I should be making when analyzing a deal.  

We have a full service property management company to handle all your headaches from that point forward.

Would it be legal to discuss preforclosures with the attorney handling the case?

Successfully buying outside of your local market comes down to having a good team that can handle any issues that come up.  

I just knew I had to stay on my horse, find out what the challenges were, establish that I was kind but firm, and handle whatever came along.What would I say to my then self now?

How individual states handle that is different, some don't care so much and other love to write contractors fines.Getting a lead abatement license is a compeletely different thing.

Also, how do you handle the automated withdrawal if the tenant tells you they will have to pay late?

You don't want to be in a position to constantly defend why you are spending time away from the family to handle issues at the property.  

Just note that there is a reason you pay a professional to manage an issue/handle a matter on your behalf.