Good luck on starting your investment journey!

Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.

The initial effect on mortgage rates was a subtle increase in long term bond yields, however in comparison to earlier this summer residential and commercial mortgage rates are down considerably.For example commercial lenders were in the 7%++ range just a few months ago, and recently are as low as 5.5%-6% and falling.

You shouldn't expect to purchase things online and then claim that they were in fact an error.

Qualified mortgages (VA, FHA, conventional etc.) get underwritten to Fannie/Freddie/Ginnie standards and get sold on the secondary market as securities.  

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

The idea would be for them to assume the existing loan and take my half of the property with as little burden financially on them as possible.

Does anyone has a seasoned property manager they would recommend as I enter and hopefully grow on that area?   

This will be any time after day 45 when you have purchased every property on your list. 

It really depends on the agent, I would ask what this fee is for and see what they say.