I went out and acquired my first primary homestead, and went to town on watching YouTube videos on how to fix this and replace that.

Do you have a trusted family member or friend in the area that can walk the property with the agent and take photos/video/do a video call? 

Perhaps the most typical bird-dogging job is to go to a property the investor is already interested in and to take photos or video of the exterior of the property to send to the investor. 

See http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/media/video-0077-credi...5.

The condo was a dump, but I put granite counter tops in the kitchen, watched youtube videos on how to install tile and backsplashes.

Spend 30 minutes a day on Bigger Pockets by connecting with “colleagues,” perusing blogs and videos, and engaging with others on the forums: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet 7.

Photos: (see next post)Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

I watched a video once about bad actors who got their comeuppance, and it featured this "paycheck cashing business business owner" of the lowest character.

I would listen to a few of his deal analysis YouTube videos to get a feel for what types of deals are out there in Denver right now, and the reason why it works for that particular investor(s). 

Watch YouTube videos.