There are multiple websites but start with lienhub.com for FL. 

While I wouldn't call it "big boys" - there is a very small world of professional companies dedicated to this super small specific asset class. 

But I do have a problem with paying $25,000 for access to private money lenders and for "systems you can put in place to scale"Google "Private Money Lenders Near Me" and you should find a dozen that show up, with websites and reviews.

I have been speaking a lot with PMLs, specifically the one's that offer 100% financing LTV and LTCMy concern is that they keep asking me for a loan origination cost, which seems like a scam to meFor instance, one offered 100% financing and then once I completed the application, she asked for about $3500 for the loan origination fee.

What specific steps should a new investor take to make sure distress is only cosmetic and not structural if we have no construction background?

Anything specific in your plan or locality that would force this?

For your first unit, unless hiring outside management which means giving up 20% of earnings, you're going to have quite a hurdle to operate a place remotely.I don't necessarily think looking at market specific data around the country and thinking you can just dive into that market and do well makes much sense.

I know you will find a ton of encouraging and helpful people here.Regarding HELOC I suggest you connect with my good friend @Michael Barbari...I believe they can still do up to 90% which is 10% more than most banks.If you need any other specific connections here in Chicago I am happy to provide them. 

Which specific property type would you recommend when you mentioned "turnkeys"?

(use of an attorney, or websites such as legalzoom, zen business, etc.).