If you are looking to begin as a wholesaler, I would suggest you educate yourself as much as you can on the process and what's involved.

I have the biggest respect for anybody that can help me to get a step closer to my goal, any suggestion or idea will be very welcome. 

Also, i would suggest going to your local REIA, where you will meet more. 

As @Jason DiClemente suggested you would need a higher rent rate to accommodate the increased mortgage payment. 

The agent was informative and also suggested other properties in the surrounding area once I mentioned I was new to investing in rehab properties.

Any suggestions on maintaining rental properties as far as maintenance

If any one has suggestions or anything, that would be great! 

For example, a quick "back of the napkin" conceptual estimate (WAG) suggests the following:Appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, stove, hood):  $3,500Kitchen sink, disposal and faucet:  $500 (material only)Kitchen hardware:  $200 (material only)Kitchen cabinet restoration:  $3,000Kitchen countertop restoration:  $1,500Plank flooring:  $3.50/SF x 2,000 SF = $7,000 (material only)Electrical rehabilitation (including light fixtures):  $4,000Plumbing rehabilitation (including toilets, faucets & shower):  $3,000Bathroom tile (2 baths):  $5,000  New roof:  $10,000New siding:  $6,000Paint (outside):  $4,000Paint (inside):  $5,000Staging: $1,650TOTAL:  $54,350This estimate does not consider any cost associated with building permits or design professionals. 

Also in terms of collecting rent, any good suggestions aside from tenant mailing check?  

The guidelines are different for both types of loans, so I would suggest you speak with a few lenders to see which best suits you.If you do close in  your personal name and then transfer title to your LLC, you may very well violate the due on sale clause contained in your mortgage.