Sometimes the cost is slightly higher but the advantage is that you can advertise less but still reach more of the best audience.And imagine how your target market will react when they walk into a home that designed EXACTLY with them in mind!

I've also contacted investors in my area and offered them half of all my deals for 6 months if they can help walk me through the process of getting all the documentation in order and in a way that it protects all parties involved and no one seems to knows that. 

Consider teaming up with another experienced investor for your next project to help walk you through it.

I would NEVER EVER make an offer on a property I have not walked thru physically.  

I am 29, like long walks on the beach, fly fishing, and rehabbing homes in the Twin Cities.

Would it be legally possible (both not getting in trouble for doing it and the seller couldn't screw you over once the home was rehabbed) to offer to take over all the payments of the home during the rehab so in essence the seller can pretty much walk away from the property at that point, even though the mortgage would still be in their name, you would just be cutting the check for it.

I've had three buyers who walked after the inspection.  

They will be able to help walk you through everything. 

I am meeting with the owner to understand his situation, but I want to make sure that I have a basic understanding walking in what I am in for.

Just saying, if you approach owners to work things out for them first, identify the problems they may not be aware of and address those, you'll be much more successful than walking in with your plan as to how yo can profit!