., find your own cleaning crew (preferably an individual or small group that you can work closely with), find a local laundry service (don't pay your cleaning crew to wait around for towels/sheets to dry), electronic locks (keys suck).  

I usually get my deals off of the MLS because I am a real estate agent, but the deals are drying up fast.

I'm not normally this dry and robotic, I can assure you :P  I look forward to hearing from everyone soon!

Is the initial negative cash flow ok to overlook knowing I can cover the difference AND that the deal will eventually lead to positive cash flow in excess of $100 each unit per month once I re-finance and move out of one of the units?

Here is a part of the letter, I sent to the seller:The home inspection was completed on September 29th (please see attached) and the following issues were pointed out: 1.The wooden floor frame in the middle unit is deteriorating due to either prior water leak in the bathroom or due to moisture infiltration through the walls and foundation.2.There is evidence of significant settlement under the middle unit bathroom and north closet.3.The settlement of the floor and walls has also resulted in settlement of the roof frame above this area, ceiling shows cracks.4.There is an obvious depression on the roof – water is ponding on the roof above the middle unit, which adds excessive weight on the roof and potential for leaks.5.Asbestos containing material has been found.6.The current bedroom heat installations in the north and south units pose a safety hazard from carbon monoxide, fire and oxygen depletion.7.An electrician performing upgrades did not use ‘arc fault breakers’ in the north and south unit breaker panels, which is required by the national electrical code.8.Upgrades to the electrical system, promised by a real estate agent, have not been completed yet.

She's with me now in my 3rd floor condo in a dry part of town.

I had a real estate broker license for about 30 years but I never did that full time.Always remember to do the math analysis on your prospects and try to look at them before you make an offer or at least have a clause in the sales contract that allows you the time (usually about 15 days) to make a detailed inspection of the subject property and possibly back out of the deal without a penalty that will excessively hurt you.There is so much to say to you but I am bound to forget something.  

We have 1099 in house maintenance, and manage portfolios in excess of 100 units for 5% of collected with no minimums.

So if a person invests wisely/conservatively in real estate (under 65% loan to value, stays away from excessively expensive properties that tend to default more, invest in the areas) perhaps the number drops to 20 or so.One suggestion: there is a fund called BroadMark Capital that invests in 100+ loans.

Pick up their dry-cleaning.