I ultimately want more financial freedom down the road and have an array of unIts.I am currently out priced fo where I live (oc ca) so I was thinking investing in the Midwest or the south.

Here is what I believe will avoid you having an issue with the vast majority of sellers regarding the earnest money deposit amount regardless of the amount $1.00 or $1,000 dollars. 

There is a vast difference between appraisers and sales agents. 

An investor that isn’t paying attention and is comparing one offering to another might completely overlook the fact that the asset management fees are actually vastly different. 

He doesn't have a vast amount of knowledge but definitely more than us.We know a few things have gone wrong in his flips, therefore he can teach us the basic of Do's and Don'ts.My wife and I would like for him to team up with us by providing knowledge.He would not have to do the hands on but just guide us through the process step by step, we are willing to put in the work.What percent should I offer from my ROI?

I've found that dealing with traveling couples or small families is vastly easier than the larger groups that come to my CA house.  

Detached garage.Entire south side of the home has good solar exposure, but I have no plans to install any solar array.

We're enjoying the vast knowledge available with this group. 

Yes, some element of 360 camera  shooting and  VR but in the vast majority it's still a pen and  pencil solutions that works.

When you get into larger stuff clients expect you to have vast experience, a large network, and systems set up.In commercial as an agent starting out or whatever they label it in your specific state you typically join a firm that specializes in commercial sector like only multifamily, only retail,etc.