I have been in contact with a lender in my area who was highly recommended by my agent, who has also used them for their flips. 

If you are unfamiliar with how to exactly protect yourself when it comes to writing up offers, you need at bear minimum, an agent.

Buy and wait, do not wait and buy))Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I am a real estate agent in the Jackson area and my top three title companies/closing attorneys I use are Luckett, Purvis Law Firm in Jackson and Elliott Law Firm in Flowood.

That would probably be a question for your local RE agent though. 

Our regular insurer, State Farm, does not do such coverage anymore, and after checking with several well-known national carriers, I found only one that offered it, but the lead agent couldn't be bothered to put the details in writing in an email.There must be companies that specialize in this kind of coverage, I figure, and there must be other property owners in a similar situation who have such insurance. 

Since I'm an agent I just submit my own offers so I don't have to explain my 'low ball offers'

If you don't have any money, look into becoming an agent and working with other investors. 

I was the buyer’s agent for a veteran and his wife.

I am not selling my services as an agent here.