Build the system, step away, be a service missionary with my wife and kids (e.g. bring clean water systems to third-world villages, disaster relief, etc.)"

Clean unit but original 1980 finishes.

Check with the public works department to find out if city sewer, water, gas and electric are available for a new built.

Well, I went back to property today, and it appears the county sheriffs office was there to clean it out last week under a "Writ of Possession" order of evacuation.  

If the plumbing/electrical etc.

I've used someone on Yelp for a couple of appliance fixes and a family friend who helped with an electrical problem, those have been fine but there isn't a system in place to easily route problems to solutions.My question is, for DIY landlords out there, how do you assemble a list of service providers when you first became a landlord (e.g. handyman, plumber, electrician, etc)? 

Or you can make a contingent offer based on getting clean title.

Make sure the surface will stay clean and dry for the full curing time.  

And I'll definitely look into those books, I have about 10k and counting in the bank now to get started, I'm most interested in duplexes or "live n flip" houses I work in constitution so I'd be doing it on the side, and I have plenty of help from carpenters/painters/ electrical friends

If the title search came back clean then you knew at least there were no surprises from monies owed to others.