Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your expertise and experience here! 

How much more riskier are properties with visible fire damage?

If you are in a historic district there are also requirements for the third floor visibility from public space such as a street or alley.

Always great to have someone with some experience and expertise such as yourself around.  

I’ve never done it so I have no expertise.  

Most of the wood that is visible is lathe.

After ten years as a Realtor and helping lots of investors with all sorts of different styles, goals, and levels of expertise, I can hands down say that I am looking for two things:First, someone who is actually able to purchase/invest (pre-qualified, cash in hand, or funds lined up) OR who is genuinely interested in learning/working with their agent on how to get there.Secondly, they are willing to listen to and partner meaningfully with their agent. 

I've been doing some research on Bank Owned REO properties as of late and I'm super interested in connecting with any REO listing agents to work with and to get their expertise on acquiring some bank owned properties for fix and flip opportunities.

We started small and it was important for me to know my role in the transaction given the fact that I didn't live in the area and didn't bring the local expertise.

For example if you found it off market, the market for that will be smaller with less visibility, so you can make a lower offer and negotiate from there.