I'm working on a similar project now but I just borrow the money from a soft lender and pay them their interest monthly.

Thank you all for your advice and answers to my novice questions and for not brushing me off.

I have properties in Brush Park and North End.  

This is called "sub2"Sellers make a decision to go with me because they like and trust me.Negotiation Skills and Sales Skills are "high touch" and "soft skills".I learned most of my skills from the masters: Tom Hopkins, Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, Roger Dawson, and Brian Tracy.

I provide information forms to all new renters giving them the pertinents - location of water/gas/electric shut off, phone numbers to all utilities and emergencies, trash & brush collection info, specific information about maintaining/cleaning the house, etc. 2.

Is it out of line in the case of slumlord/neglectful ownership to just ask the tenants if you can get a peak at the place, maybe snap some pics and get a soft estimate before you submit an offer?

Fort Morgan and Brush to be exact.

There is a myth floating around BP and the podcasts that you can get hard money or soft money lending or a loan or gift for MFH down payments.

You are always going to get some crappy agent that is going to complain because they are scared of loosing business but just brush it off. 

@Matt EvansMy suggestion is something that you've already brushed the surface of and that's office visits.