And the Professional Investors Guild is a great resource for learning about wholesaling and rehabbing, and of course networking. 

Are there resources for learning about RE photography that you'd recommend?

In building my portfolio, I want to continually think of ways to gain traction and accelerate towards my financial goals.

It could even ruin the seller financially, because they didn't understand the situation.

You mention the owner has paid $70k on the mortgage but that isn't a number that matters (since who knows what interest rate he's on or if he's made any extra payments), what matters is what the outstanding balance is on the mortgage and can you offer them a purchase price that is A) Fair to the owner, B) Helps them sell with some amount of equity and C) Gives you room that it financially makes sense.The numbers change based on if you want to flip it or rent it, making the question "does it make sense" different based on the direction you choose.In short, I have no idea how much I would offer...

REI is a great place to start your financial life.

The deal makes sense if I want to lease but it doesn't make sense financially to get a HML and flip.1. 

Also be sure to get their trailing 12 months financials and current rent roll.

Congratulations, you have found one of the most valuable (and free) resources on the internet for real estate investors.

Rental / financial history?