In my opinion, an in person meetup > an online connection.You may want to consider making a connection here and meeting up for coffee or attending a real estate networking event.Best of luck!

I have just started in a 3-day training for the Lee Arnold broker certification program and thus far just completed the online material required for preparation. 

Invest in as long as it takes you to write a check, do a wire transfer, or even an online bill pay4.

Start by networking through local meetups, REIA groups, and online communities like BiggerPockets to connect with experienced investors.

I also recommend a bank that has local branch that you can go into vs having it 100% online.

Begin by educating yourself through books like The House Hacking Strategy and podcasts like BiggerPockets, and join online communities for support.

Be very careful who you take advice from online, you should get involved with a local attorney and a local realtor.

After some research online, I am reading that the cost per square foot on a gut renovation of this nature in Stamford CT is anywhere from $150-$350, which is ultimately not very helpful, because at $150 per sq ft, this is a very appealing project with a total profit of ~$175K (46% ROI) and at $350 per sq ft, it very much isn't, because it would be a net loss of 83K (haha).QUESTIONS:What can I do refine my estimate a bit given that I am not allowed to a formal inspection on the property? 

you can find all the info online"...it's like, no sh*t you can...all the information ever is online!

You may have to do this several times for all the different tasks being done.The only labor cost not covered by this type of online inquiry is drive time from the businessto the property, to the store & back for supplies and then back to the business address.