I would assume agents would at least attempt to keep the deal in house unless they can not.  

Not only have I attempted this type of thing, I've worked to include other "interesting" parts of a lease that solve challenges and get people what they want.  

Has anyone attempted this sort of value investing, did it work out?  

However, I have been wondering if I should get into the game sooner than later, attempting to find creative financing, or using a first time home owner FHA to lower my down payment. 

I'm attempting to get an off market deal for a duplex, but we'll see how it goes.

Personally, I never felt good about trying to buy as low as possible, especially when sellers were struggling somehow in their lives and then attempting to profit by putting lipstick and paint on their pig.  

The vast majority have a very high scenes of entitlement having lived their life off of free handouts and for that reason have zero respect for others.As a landlord the level of resentment your tenants will have for you will counter any training you attempt to achieve.C class tenants are like cats, virtually impossible to train, and must be constantly monitored as you would a child.

We are not upset with my stepdad, plus he's now in his mid 80's - we thought it would be wrong to attempt to force him to move this late in his life.  

Much better than fiddling around on google (which I do every time in an attempt to not look like a complete newbie)

I have not attempted to contact any rental property owners, but I certainly will.