It's challenging, but doable.

Even though you guys have experience in the game, flipping is another game altogether so having to go out of state for a first one will create some challenges and potential lost money for sure.

I have looked at this from different angles and am mentally stuck looking for advice.

You'll get a far better response using your name, and in the case of no name or return, the curiosity factor will often overcome the gatekeeper mentality :-)Hope that helps.  

The rare times it works is with the elderly, mentally il due mostly to old age, etc.

Challenges?

Bring in an experienced partner to convince the investor you can handle any challenges especially funding issues.  

I'm certain there are scrubs everywhere, but man oh man do I try hard to stay away from them here and it's often a challenge TBH!

It's been hard especially because I'm dealing with an FHA loan and some sellers don't wanna anything to do with this type of loan.My plan is to buy a duplex using an FHA loan with 3.5% down and live in one unit and rent out the other one(basically househacking), but with this crazy market, it's been very challenging to find anything good.

The wholesaler who takes advantage of of elderly or mentally challenged people by convincing them that the value of their property is less than it actually is3.