Currently refining my business/marketing plans and attempting to network, with my first REI meeting next week.

If it's been sitting on the market for a period of time you can attempt to get an inspection. 

I'm just attempting to get an idea of which banks offer the best interest rates and are most investor friendly when it comes to refinancing as well.

I do plan to live at the property at least one year and attempt a house hack to supplement my income.

I'm just attempting to get an idea of which banks offer the best interest rates and are most investor friendly when it comes to refinancing as well.

You have no reference as to what is "normal" real estate practice and what is not.I would say what you are attempting to do "to save money/commission" will not only cost you more in the long run, but would be akin to reading books and watching videos on how to drive a car and then without having ever driven one, taking your first drive in the Indy 500.

I don't suggest buying out of state and attempting to rehab yourself.  

The rental agreement states the following: "Should Tenants vacate before expiration of the term, Tenants will be liable for the balance of the rent for the remainder of the term, less any rent Landlord collects or could have collected from a replacement tenant by reasonably attempting to re-rent."

I was attempting to address the first question posed by Fred on how to overcome objections. 

Once you get past that hurdle, the rest is mostly cake.There is absolutely zero chance I would attempt to manage my own properties from that kind of a distance.