Im contemplating even having an exchange.  

Does nothing for property acquired during the marriage.In Jeff's case, he is already married and contemplating expanding his investment property portfolio.

I know this is equivalent of asking someone to throw darts in complete darkness, but as I'm researching I'm finding that Banks/Investors have at least some initial approach when contemplating where to set their values at based upon the market.

Myself and two friends have contemplated the idea of starting up an LLC to begin purchasing rental properties. 

I actually worked in IT also and contemplated buying a house there once.In terms of financing, you should look into applying for a FHA, USDA, VA, etc type loan.

Christopher, for a large investment like the one you're contemplating, I'd recommending going to Michael Blanc's site themichaelblanc.com and paying for his apartment building calculator.  

Just in case the mortgage does not go through for some reason or the other.If you know other flippers who do more or less the same as what you are contemplating, it can never hurt to ask them for a recommendation on which HML they found to be good to work with.Best of luck with your endeavors.

I've been contemplating whether I should abandon the direct mail campaign and contact wholesalers.

So the best thing to do would be to stay the course your contemplating and put a rentor or two in there.  

I've never read so much until I contemplated investing and now I can't put these books down.