The banks saw me as a serious buyer and not just a tire kicker. 

Don't cave into their demands, but do inform them of the process.If you have 4 days to do your initial inspection with the tenant, make the most of it, but don't prematurely commit yourself to specifics regarding the return of the deposit.

Probably not but then again, you aren't looking to help anyone out but yourself, and if the owner is too tired or naïve or distraught to exercise any further effort on saving their home or selling it for money in their pocket, better you get it than someone else right?

It didn't cost me anything but I got tired of the complaints.

I'd love to shift to rentals because I'm tired of getting hammered by income taxes.  

Or bug your CPA but if you are just tire kicking do it in May.

These are people who could be ready to downsize and are tired of doing maintenance and are ready to downsize.

Perhaps a bit premature for celebration...but after three weeks of negotiations I am pleased to say we have our first multi-family apartment complex under contract.

@Julian Pilate-Hutcherson- On behalf of agents everywhere... your average real estate agent's enemy is the "tire kicker" and/or the "newbie". 

Although you might get away without the realtors association.The license renewal cost is about $45 for a year.I was actually an investor like you but got tired of the constant realtor calling to see a property so i got my own license.