I had to spend time cutting some of the metal strike plate so it wouldn't touch it at all. 

In that regards I would rather prefer to build a mutual beneficial connection rather than one that only benefits one side, even as a newbie there's something that can be offered that is of value.And I would rather that you're blunt rather than sugar coat things, in several discussions I found instances where wholesalers took advantage of sellers through P&SA contracts, inspection clauses and closing dates and were unable to fulfill there obligations to the sellers and preventing the seller from getting other buyers during the validity of the contract, I means it's quite unfair.But there where other instances where wholesalers had built credibility by the manner in which the death, I mean that is what builds a good relationship and make room for future referrals.I would still like to know your thoughts on Wholesaling and wholesalers, please do not sugar coat, let it out just as you see it. it.

Ideally, I want more booking through Furnished Finder (to cut down on AirBnb fees), as well as direct from insurance providers, relocation specialists, etc.

I do that as well. try real estate land development entitlement or getting involved in ground up new construction on infill lots as a partner. the returns are higher than all of these. all cash IRRs are 40%+ to the partners we work with in columbus and levered returns are greater than 100% cash on cash return. that's with us making our cut as well. 

I saw a local investor post a few of his places up for sale - they were bought at a high price, fixed up extremely nice - so I'm guessing the LTR numbers wouldn't cut it. 

So you too need to develop some reserve accounts - one for repairs, and also one for property taxes and property insurance payments - which are big expenses that are due once a year, but your seller will likely not collect like a bank might escrow for you.Know that seller financing gives you lots of options to negotiate your deal - but that cuts both ways.  

I don't know any private lenders and hard money makes me nervous since I'm a buy and hold guy and the payback isn't as cut and dry as it is on a fix and flip.

What is the prospect that insurance or tax costs will be cut 30%?     

I love Bigger Pockets because 99.9% of the posts on here are legitimate, and the very few that aren't, quickly get cut off by the eagle-eyed forum moderators.

If you're not looking to invest in anything C- or lower on the neighborhood grading scale, then you can pretty much cut out anything on the East-side that is in Cleveland.