Also, what techniques would you use to see if the flip was actually done properly and professionally and that corners were not cut that can be costly in the future?  

I do not plan on renewing them but want to make sure I am giving the proper notice. 

This will check the box for funding the double-close properly (if 'dry closing' is not an option) -- but you'll need to account for that in your math for how the deal pencils out. 

We are in the process of house hunting, and finally received an accepted offer.

That made me think that I was ready to Hire VA's without the proper infrastructure in place.

Buy from tired landlords with proper seller financing where you own it. 

If structural issues are not taken care of properly, it can prohibit you from reselling the property.

What are the proper steps I need to take and who do I need to contact?

Finding a cash flow property in the SCV or the SFV is not easy and you will have to hunt for a very motivated seller where you can buy at a good enough discount, fix it up, and have it in an area that would support getting close to cash flow which is no easy task as prices have skyrocketed here (although not as much in SCV).

Living at the property will allow you to learn the most, your acquisition costs will be more attractive, and by properly maintaining the home you'll in a small way be improving your community.