Furnished Finder for example depending on your market may not be the best option if you're renting out an entire place because nurses might not want to pay what you need just to make the mortgage and utilities however if you are renting by the room it may make more sense but of course, all of this is market dependent.

My goal for now is to become as educated as possible.

It's time to do some cap ex repairs and update the exterior siding possibly roof and flooring. 

I'm a private money lender and a buy and hold investor, and in my opinion, no lender will ask for an upfront fee other than possibly asking you to pay for an appraisal or BPO directly to the valuation company.

In addition, my W-2 job is entirely remote.

New house is closer to my work: not possible as my current address is very close already2.

I’m an agent looking to start flipping and possible rentals.

ST Other commentators are right here - hard money likely possible, but most hard money lenders really don't like funding a renovation mid-project - large preference or policy to only do one loan upfront covering the purchase/renovation fully planned out. 

I am looking at buying another property cash for 65k putting 12k into it and having it appraise for around $80k in hopes of creating a portfolio loan, if that is even a possibility at this point.

Initially, I blamed myself but then I decided to reinvent my approach entirely.