Are their significant cracks throughout the floor?

There are enough engineers in silicon valley that have and are trying to figure out how to crack into real estate, it should be a whole meetup group to itself!

Scott The Book on Flipping Houses, The Book on Estimating ReHab Costs http://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbookConsider checking out HUD homes for small multi's owner occupied gets first crack.

Are there any red flags to watch out for when screening?

We like - good communication, great tenant screening, clear financial statementsWe hate - padding expense costs

The first course I took was basically a combination of a "Rehab" course and a "crack the HUD system" course.

I can't give you any advice on becoming an agent but you can use the search box at the top right of the screen to find some other posts that might discuss the subject.Good luck!

How's it going BP,I recently closed on my first SFH Rental on February 13th, ( i can go into the numbers later) but I am planning on self managing my own property with the help of my mentor (for advice and tenant screening help) who is also a real estate broker and property manager. 

You can search contract for deed on this site and learn the current legal issues with CFDs.A lease-option does not put you in title to refinance, Ben must be asleep or on his meds at his computer screen.

Here you can referrals for training classes.Consider checking out HUD homes for small multi's owner occupied gets first crack.