Best of luck on your journey Someone mentioned but a good resource are the podcasts. 

Quote from @Emily Poerio: Hello - I am new to REI and getting ready to close on my first set of properties.

Also, if you have worked with house movers, any advice on things I should avoid or red flags with these guys?  

Plus, you can do everything on your computer if you want.

I would not splurge on your first home.

I need help on how to analyze specific localities. 

Time the Sale Strategically: Selling the property in a year when your income is lower can place you in a lower capital gains tax bracket, reducing the tax rate on your gains.8.Deduct Selling Expenses: Costs associated with selling the property, such as real estate commissions, legal fees, and advertising expenses, can be deducted from your sales price, thereby reducing your taxable gain.9. 

Any suggestions on doing a primary residence house swap, creative finance deal?

Every baby agent is going to sell you on a vision on their market and you are going to take the bait.

Decide on what you'd like to focus on as a first step.