You could try more specific gym/fitness forums online instead of BP. 

This may include tax credits such as 45L for energy efficiency.Optimization of Energy Efficient Tax Credits: AI tools can help real estate investors identify which specific energy upgrades are the most cost-effective upgrades for their properties resulting in a higher return on the improvements.AI can help investors be more efficient and effective with their time and money.

If the motivated seller is only receiving an offer from you, you will get a great price for the house.

After getting a lot of interest the first weekend on market, no offers came in.

All offers reviewed in a 1-2 days for highest and best.

Proper and CBIZ are agencies that offer policies in many states, so you might start there.

It might be hard for me to get to a property quickly enough to see it when making offers - is this an issue, should I try to enlist the help of a family member who could go look for me?

I would talk to a mortgage broker in the US who works with foreign investors and can explain your options, but I would also definitely contact Canadian banks to see what they can offer. 

I offered to fund rehab in 2nd position to learn the ropes.The best advice I've been given about real estate is that it's all about relationships.

I think you should figure out what the rules and regulations are in your specific state because that will make a difference.