2) Since I will be using a bank loan, does the lender usually take it from there -- arranging the appraisal, title search, etc? 

Would I be better off trying to flip them and then do the typical staging and hope either an investor or first time home buyer with a low budget offers on the house, or would I be better of to renovate then fill the homes with renters and then list the house for investors only with tenants all ready filling the homes with positive cash flow?

Very typical housing arrangement in the area for young professionals.

However, more often than I realized, that is the best option for me at this stage of the game.

I agree with Nancy, this does seem a little staged.

I think I would have just told the tenant the company who is contracted to repair the unit will be out as soon as possible, and provide the date/time you have arranged for Monday.

I also found a lot of really good info and a lot of really great community members on BP that can help you in any stage in your investing career whether you're a beginner or expert.  

In theory you could find a local investor and work out a mentoring arrangement with them, but having no experience that'd be a hard sell.When you're ready to move on and do your own thing, I'm a big fan of house hacking 4-family properties.

It means there was no "arrangement" to do so at the time. 

Have you considered arranging a networking event?