If they are providing good documentation of processes along the way, inspections, warranties, etc, you will do fine.  

Online and offline.

My background is in online marketing.

The past is the past.I would also point out two things based on your comments that may indicate why you chose to go in a different direction.  1) The use of a self-directed IRA custodian - where they have to sign every document and cut every check - is not well suited for a portfolio that involves a lot of assets or assets that create a lot of transaction activity. 

i dont think you need to drive down there since it is an electronic document now. one day i called trenton and they emailed it to me within 30 minutes.your rents do seem kind of high. 

Once you have an address of a property that appears to be in distress, you can go to the county assessor to find the owner (even online in some counties) for free (if you don't value your time), or you can use a paid service that will give you all the details right on your phone while you are standing out front, owner or non-owner occupied, value, comps, equity, vacant, even their phone number.

Account Closed  Thanks for the tips on documenting that they've actually moved out. 

A lot of information can be found online, through books, your local real estate commission, other agents, investors, etc.Focus on learning and making connections. 

Google online see what you can find.

Go to as many as you can and meet as many people as you can.Keep your connections and reading going here on BP, your networking will be a mix of online and local if you are smart.