Being prequalified should be free.When you invest I feel you should know multiple lenders.  3 or 4. 

proper notice to enter is usually defined by the state as 24 hours notice. some states require 48. that is your starting point. that being said, coming through with a high amount of showings can be considered as disrupting the tenants right to peaceful enjoyment of their home. if you plan on coming through with one or two, you should be ok (legally) to give tenant prior written notice and come in regardless of their objections. if you think it may take multiple showings, you are likely better off to work with the tenant to set up a block of time for an open house. in extreme situations, you can consider offering a gift card to a local restaurant or movie theater to get them out. the tricky part is striking a balance between what is legal, entering with proper notice, and what is fair and reasonable, since the tenant can purposely leave the house an extreme mess to make it harder to re-rent, badmouth you to potential renters, and may even try to refuse entry. how you approach will depend on your relationship with tenant.

It is getting me in the game, maybe it will bite me in the end but one thing is certain...I am going to learn quite a bit over the next few months which is better than paying for a guru in my eyes.

It was recommended to me that I collect a refundable performance guarantee fee from co-signer so she has some skin in the game.

Find a commercial mortgage broker in your city, they represent multiple banks and can find the best fit for your deal.

If you were to choose option one, then I would look into Having a game plan In place that would provide you a similar cash flow as to renting the home out, especially with the likelihood of the property tax being a low amount. 

You’ll notice I use the term “I feel” multiple times here.

I'm fairly new to the game as well.

Many wholesalers have no skin in the game and if they can't find a Buyer--tough for Seller.

Over 600,000 licensed mortgage lenders in the US at this point, the overwhelming majority have no idea how to work with REI and multiple rental properties.