I would greatly appreciate advice from you professionals because as you can see I am quite the amateur.  

All good deals, but the trick was to buy in distant counties where the pro's don't bother bidding (and amateurs as well). 

I'm a computer scientist / amateur investor from Nashville, TN and I have a rental property in Murfreesboro, TN.

One key difference between an amateur and a professional is one works for free and the other doesn't. 

I by no means am a amateur I'm pretty advanced in construction but even knowing just the basics would of made most peoples BS radar go off, saving them money.

These are some amateur thoughts....

Three days later, after contemplating over several $500 - $1500 programs, I ran into the beginner's guide mentioned prior.Eventually, I'll be looking for a mentor; however, I realize that at the amateur level I'm currently at, that that may not be the most reasonable thing for me.

And expect many amateurs (at best) before you find a competent VA through bargain sites such as upwork & fiverr

Amateurs.  

I would advise them to sell now before the bills start rolling in.This is not a project for starry eyed amateurs with dollar signs blinding their vision.