Your "go to" realtor can easily give you a good title rep to speak with as well as private money lenders, real estate attorneys etc. 

They very likely will give you brokers/appraisers/title companies that they have done business with.

So I'm basically new to the game - I've owned 2 properties for 7 years and been renting them, but they started out as properties I bought to live inNow I'm trying to diversify and invest in RE - but I work full time and don't know a ton about the financing sideI linked up w someone who's an active flipper in the area and discussed possibly partnering on a deal.

I have a deal lined up but I am having a hard time finding a investor friendly escrow/title company or closing agent/attorney.

Enlist a Title company to do a title search and transfer of title?

The only way this works in your case would be if you had title to any real estate that was formerly in the IRA.  

Title Company!

Joe Jackson I’m definitely all game in joint venturing with another investor like yourself.

Is there a way we could co-sign on a mortgage, or simply have the title to the home in his name and I transfer a potential down payment directly to him?

@Jay Hinrichs Just signed off on a title commitment where the prior transfer was a foreclosure in Virginia... 10% of $462,000 to the auctioneer.