Much more common is to have a mortgage (or in some states a deed of trust)  There is a promissory Note, which is the loan document and The mortgage is the document that gives the lender a security interest in the property. 

You can put your properties in a trust or hold them in an LLC.

They will be your best friend and connect you to trusted trades that they personally have used. 

Find an experienced investor you trust that is willing to show you the ropes in exchange for a return on the investment.

I wouldn't trust anyone's advice online.

If the contractor you’re working with is flush with cash and trust you then they might wait till the end.

I would like to get a local contractor to go with me when I look at a property to give a more accurate rehab cost but that may challenging starting out until I establish a good relationship with trusted, go-to contractor(s). 

Trust them, but make sure you have them all accurate to account for repairs, CapEX, vacancy, etc.

You will need to find a good agent to walk through the property, and send you videos (One that you can trust)Get a solid inspection, identify contractors that will give you bids for any big-ticket items prior to you hitting contingency dates. 

Never, ever trust a handyman to do roofing.