Ultimately, we (my brother-and-law and me) would like to be able to purchase, renovate and sell-on properties using our own resources, but short term goal is to establish our company first.I found BiggerPockets just by searching the internet looking for real estate networking opportunities.

Try to listen whenever you have a little bit of free-time, like when you're going to school or doing mundane tasks.

Do they usually allow inspections of the properties prior to a written offer, or is this one of those situations where I'd be expected to do my due diligence at "arms length" (drive-by, internet research etc), and take a gamble on the condition of the property?

I thought I heard you could go down to the county court house and search through records, but the more I've looked on the internet it seems like you need to have a name or specific address.

I'm in a unique situation where I'm a computer engineer who works from home, so really I can move anywhere that would provide me with a visa and has a good internet connection.I'd really appreciate any feedback that you guys can give me, I've been stressing about this for nearly half a year now.  

The key will be how does buying this new building affect your time transacting as an agent for residential.DEMANDS ON TIME.If I average thousands an hour return on my time I either have to cut out those tasks that pay less or employ others to do those tasks for me if they are essential but not optimal for me to do.If it has 50% vacancy the lender will want full recourse against you and your husband. 

@David Kirchhoff search the internet for "New York landlord tenant law" and that should be a good starting point.

What are some of the best ways to find probate properties when the information is not listed on the internet for that city?

Use listsource.com, use the internet, talk to property owners.

I think it's bad advise to assume people are incapable of doing such a simple task.