Then visit the lender website and see if the have an REO section or try to find a person's name.

And, if you find that person on the right day, you can make a deal that works for both.

Basic recommendations- Deed of Trust-Personal Guarantee-Promissory note-JV agreement (to protect the lender from violating usury laws)-clear late fee schedule, cure period agreement-cross collateral if the subject property doesn't safely cover you with enough equity

I would hire another person that has construction and real estate background.Take your  annual Salary. 

Recommendations on content to watch/read to learn the essentials as a beginner?

Myself, significant other, and my close friend/business partner have been renovating his personal residence for the past few months with the intention of renting it soon.

See here: https://store.biggerpockets.com/Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcastIf you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

If the person performing snow removal services is an employee of the snow removal company then that company should maintain workers comp insurance.

I just completed a "free BRRRR" in Monroe personally and helped another investor complete a Free BRRRR in gastonia as well!  

From my personal experience, each lender has its strengths and weaknesses.