My wife and I are in the process of looking for our first investment property and look forward to networking with the BP community.

However, I do rely on my trusted network of local professionals for different parts of the process.

In the thread of a conversation, statements may be made that are fine within the context of the conversation, but may not reflect well or accurately when the snippet arises within a search engine or other index tool.There may also be information that I/we are happy to share with the BP community, but not necessarily with the Internet-at-large, especially any details about our specific properties or business practices and processes.

I use a loan servicer who processes the borrowers payment and then sends to me.

If you are a cash buyer , know the market and foreclosure process then you can pick up  property for a 25% discount in a desirable location.Cheers

Unless you've done substantial improvements to the building or used a large down payment when buying, it's unlikely this will work.Perhaps your best move is to find a new primary residence that is 2-4 units and repeat the process.

Turns out the Seller's agent and the escrow agents were really nasty to the bank throughout the whole process.

I explain renters insurance during the tenant selection process.   

We had the same thought process when we started A Blind Pig.

It is not very difficult or complicated to evaluate commercial real estate, there are plenty of good books available that can teach you how, textbooks, online courses, community college classes, even excellent youtube videos etc, and it is actually quite enjoyable in the process to learn.