I am looking for a reputable RE agent that can accompany me, preferably someone experienced with out of state investors, and who has an "inspector" mindset.

If you have any cash flow after paying the bills and setting aside funds for future expenses, you can either pull it out or (preferably) hold it for a future purchase in the checking account or in the savings account.I prefer holding funds in the savings account, even money for future purchases.

They got no choice but to extend. 

That said if it gives me more freedom to make the right career choices or it allows me to act on investment opportunities in the next couple years, maybe it will have been worthing eating additional expenses for the first several months.  

Benjamin,Do you want to be close to work or would prefer something with a livelier feel, like downtown? 

Maybe even try a real estate attorney, I prefer working directly with them vs a title company anyway.

Then what is really good choice for out of state flips to source good off market deals? 

Aside from understanding how to build the buildings and how much they cost, you'll need to know how to understand how to analyze deals at a higher level to see if they make sense - what are the rents/sales you expect to achieve, what are your financing costs, what's the timeline....I would strongly suggest taking real estate and/or corporate finance classes as well - preferably as a minor if you're able to.  

That’s not how we roll, so I prefer to have most removed before closing if possible.

About the only downside I've come across with W2 + rental income is that you don't have much of a choice on when you're receiving the income.