Some background: my friend is a tenant who has been living rent-free in a unit for over ten years but is a professional painter and has been painting numerous properties/units for the landlord in lieu of rental payments.

I’ve read numerous real-estate investing books and habitually read and listen to Bigger Pockets daily.

Blackstone Group LP's ("Invitation Homes"), had seen this as well, and set out to make advantage of it, and did.

@Robert Cruise invitation to an Investor Club is a great way to start.

If you guys need connects, please shoot me a invite and we'll grow together.

Thanks for the invite @Ed W.! 

I can offer a list of services I would expect:Leasing fee covers:PricingMarketingMedia advertisingMember of Multiple Listing Service  and syndicated to numerous internet marketing toolsRealtor referral networkOn-call 24 hours including weekends and holidaysShowing, screening and negotiatingCredit reportsThorough background checksDocument preparationManagement Fee Covers:Move-in/move-out coordinationMove-out inspections with digital picturesEnforcement of lease termsTenant public relationsTimely rent collectionComputerized accounting and property management systemsFunds managed by a trust accountTimely disbursement of funds to ownerMonthly statements covering all activityCPA ready annual consolidated statementsScheduled property surveysMaintenanceProperty Repair Services24 hour on-call service for emergency repairs including weekends and holidaysRepair “help line” service at no costReputable maintenance personnelVolume pricing on supplies and servicesSpring A/C service and lawn treatment at owner’s optionUpdating, decorating and refurbishing if desiredInstallation of security devices (locks, etc) as required by law

There are numerous areas around downtown zoned RM which allows for more than one unrelated person.

There's numerous ways to find deals that you can research here on BP.I would network with some agents to get access to MLS properties that fit your criteria.  

Having been now in the Real Estate investment game and working with Bolthouse Homes from day one I would love to extend the invitation for us to grab coffee.