Looking forward to checking out these recommendations though, just for the simple ability to keep reading and learning.

So now as a buyer, you need to make up the difference 600-500 = 100,000 x 1.25 percent (property tax rate of the county) = 1250,  so you get a bill saying that's what you owe..

Especially for property outside your ability to go see it yourself, what ways can I improve my understanding of determining rehab costs?

See this as a wake up call for all.Here is something you will catch me say ALL the time:Your success is based on your ability to find motivated seller leads.

My $50k as a 20% down for a loan of $200k, giving us a total investment amount of $250,000 vs $50,000.I've built a spread sheet and can tweak terms....but most variations I work on come out cash flow positive (more so than pure cash only), and on the refinance and sale proceeds is where the leverage really kicks in.The loan would have to have collateral......so one could use 1) Their business, 2) Current holdings, 3) Home (hope not), or.......4) Since as a syndicate investor we will be an actual owner of the property (hence the ability to depreciate our share) is it possible to use our future stake in the property as collateral itself? 

It seems to me as you add properties that are cash flow neutral, your Debt / Income ratio will continue to go up and up, even though your ability to pay will not decrease. 

., my ability to get off the ground faster than others is hampered by the fact that I can't eliminate the expenses tied to the aforementioned items.

It seems even if you've taken $1 of the PPP money, it could hinder your ability to close.

I know plenty of older folks in my hometown who know and trust me and who have money and the willingness to invest, particularly in real estate.Here’s the question: how can I help an agent be confident that I have the ability to purchase a home without a “pre-approval” from a bank?

I also have the ability to add custom pages or a blog, without needing to have any skills whatsoever.