Anybody else have any advice or insight?  

Any insight from successful flippers in the area would be very much appreciated!

I know I could just start calling banks and will do that if I don't get any good leads here, but thought I might save myself a few phone calls by asking the experts (you) for help.Any recommendations on bankers/lenders for long term financing would be greatly appreciated.

But then they sent me an email trying to sell me a $3k package that includes a "starter experience education pkg, an expert experience education pkg, homework assignments" and other marketing material. 

I was able to get some insight into property management,  the places I talked to allow you to do it with them,  they get a kick back but they provide you with everything needed.   

I am no expert but I would flat out refuse under those terms.

And whenever you’re going to make one of the most important/expensive purchases of your life, it’s nice to know you have a collaborative environment here to ask questions and gain insight.

Thanks in advance for your insight!

@Brad Larsen - thank you for your insight and expertise.

I'm stuck in Yuma, AZ on a Marine Corps Air Station at the moment :/Thanks again for your reply and helpful insight!