We’ve read a lot of articles and advice online as well as here on BP on what to look out for and be aware of.

You may think you are not "representing" them, but by law you would be considered to be acting as their agent, though illegally.Just because someone writes up an article and puts it online, that gives you instructions on how to do something doesn't make it legal.

And lastly I would use an online service for rent collection such as cozy.

Rather, you should be receiving a credit from the seller for his pro-rated portion of the taxes (for Jan 1st, 2018 through the date you close), as you will be expected to pay the entire year's tax bill once it comes out in September).The only exception I can think of to this is if the seller is behind in taxes for previous years, in which case this should still be a seller's side debit/charge and not one for your side, as the buyer.

I think NRIA is only open to accredited investors so more detailed info may not available on line.

Is there somewhere I can see dates/times/locations?

It's an online-based MLS broker that was a big hit in the UK.

I've been looking at a lot of properties online and one of 2 things usually happens: either the seller over estimates the property (overstates price and rental rates around the area), or it's a 3rd party/wholeseller who I have to refresh their memory about the property.

Biggerpockets http://get.biggerpockets.com/forms/index/ has leases available, you can also look up online places such as legal zoom, law depot, and others.

We can measure the roof online and get specs.