I chose to build my PM business from ground.To create a working system and to organize processes is difficult in the beginning, but to my experience it is possible to create a working model based on personal knowledges and then to provide a high level of service to the clients.

Just look at the property on google street view, you don't need to go in person, etc. 

I know it’s about the long game but I hate to sign up to lose money on my first property.

Or steps  Never recommeneded if I was the GC as what if the person does not sell the home or it sells for less than what they owe the bank and the GC? 

If nothing is mentioned about it then I don't get them personally. 

While you are in the phasing of preparing, I recommend getting the board game Cash Flow and playing with friends. 

Some buy and hold investors may have outdated beat up buildings that can't be sold conventionally without repair and your flipping operation with the right agent may just happen upon that deal for working with that person.

IRS liens follow the person so they might be willing to negotiate.

@Ahmad Aram It can be harder to purchase homes using an LLC as opposed to your personal name.

Thus whatever deal the person is marketing better have some strong financials and considerable equity of their own in the deal.This is just the reality of todays market place