You should also check out some local real estate investor groups such as Black Diamond REI in MA and the RI Real Estate Investor Group in RI.If you have some specific questions feel free to post them, you'll probably get several answers in short order :)

Is there a specific type of payment method to be used?

They don't need to be state specific so they work anywhere.

I would not want the current seller to fix things for me to his specification but rather to mine.

I know this will be very market specific but I have a house in a Cleveland suburb listed at 55K.

More specific.......  

You may also want to check out the Property Hub - focused specifically on the UK market: https://thepropertyhub.net/If you're interested in purchasing through an investment house, I work for one that provides 'deals' and an advisory service in the regions we specialise in. 

None of the volunteers here can create a wholesaling business for you, you're going to have to take the initiative to build up a lot of knowledge on your own and then ask specific questions when you run into challenges. 

Would anyone recommend a specific class or book?

Unless there was specific language in the contract about the tenants signing a new lease you will likely be obligated to follow through.