The properties that I sold were not on the market for sale and somebody approached me about buying them and I sold for a price that I was comfortable with.But the new properties that I would want to acquire have to meet certain criteria:1. 

We are designating one "cell" as an S Corp if we flip homes.

Google interior designers in your area and/or look at one of the org-type sites for interior designers or kitchen and bath designers

I currently work as a mechanical engineer designing HVAC systems for commercial projects, however, that is not how I would like to describe myself. 

I thought starting out with wholesaling would be a great way to do this (listened to several Wholesaling Inc Podcasts on this) and get comfortable with real life deal analysis/presentation, but then heard from a long time investor that it is unlikely with my time constraints that I would be able to put the time necessary into marketing and searching for good deals.

I'm going to call her current landlord tomorrow as well as he place of employment to gain some more comfort. 

Regardless of the degree I got I was more comfortable with the contruction business so that is what I did.  

People invest based on location (is it close enough for them to manage or are they comfortable with a PM doing it) and numbers (where is the best ROI). 

That's really the question.If the buyer does have a system for inspection, title research or other due diligence and leaves this up to wholesaler/intermediary, then you ought yo oasis until you are comfortable with putting am process in place.The wholesaler is negligent in being clear, IMHO.

Is it accurate to say you'd be more comfortable if you can keep a more personal touch with the investment and all the players.As much as I would like to recommend someone for you to talk to directly, that is not allow in an open forum.