This RE company says that they provide additional training and they want me to sign a contract to be an agent with them.  

@Jeff Piscioniere It depends on how the title is held (but I'm willing to bet is in the guy with the mortgage name, since the lender will most likely not allow other owners not tied with the note) and it depends on what you have in your operating agreement if the partnership is protected or you are exposed to problems partners might create. 

Yes, this can be a huge time saver especially if your jurisdiction considers this an "addition" instead of a "new construction" which generally makes it easier and faster to get a permit.

The appraisal is your best bet.

I would try to get an optional 15 day extension with additional EMD, if possible. 

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

I’m just getting things started and want to get into ‘buy and hold’ properties to bring in some additional cash flow.My wife and I have a decent amount of funds set aside, but I was wondering if it makes sense to open a HELOC on our primary residence and utilize some of those funds as well for a down payment.

TaskRabbit, Angie's List and Home Advisor are your best bets.

You can list your unit on there, as well as do background and credit checks and collect rent.In addition to asking a local realtor for the rental rates, you can look at the rents of similar properties in the area, which you can find on places like Zillow and Apartments.com

Additionally I invest purely for cashflow.