I'd probably offer closer to  15-20k and see what they come back with.

I'm unclear as to requirements for clearing snow on sidewalks leading to front/back doors and driveways.  

Every time we are able to get just enough to pay one bill, four bills come due immediately and we are back where we started.  

If you call the number that they list, they usually have a secretary who answers and wants you to give details of the property so they can get back with you.

You were already given bad information a while back - what changed?

Sinking money into home ownership will only hold you back from growing your investments.I would invest in a 3-4 unit multi plex and live in one unit till you are ready to move then do it again. 

I do have family in the area and it's not to expensive to travel back and forth to check out properties.

With the ability to sit back and watch your project materialize, general contractors are effectively your partner in business.

I work full-time as well, my wife and I started flipping 3 years back successfully,  honestly after dealing with a bunch of GC and Subs my go to GC now is Chunky with Property Crafter  (and yes it is his real name, I checked lol).If you would like his contact info, pm me and I will shoot it over to you. 

I know investment property near college campuses always do well due to the high turnover but values near Austin's UT campus have me wishing I'd bought 3-4 condos back in 2009.