The pro development and affordable housing advocates use the term NIMBY, but I suspect it is the rare person that buys in a single family zoned area that would be thrilled to have 17 units (qp16 additional units added) in the lot next to them.My initial protege was the land source on this effort.  

Stay consistent with follow-ups, sharing updates on new opportunities.Pro Tip: Host a webinar or in-person event to connect with potential lenders and answer their questions.Why It Works:Credibility and transparency make lenders more comfortable investing in your deals.What Do You Think?

When I encounter this type of client, I do everything I can to convert them into one of the previous clients.First thing I have them do is run all their income and expenses through a separate account instead of their personal account. 

I plan on driving alot to find distressed or run down multifamily properties that possibly are owned by an out of state investor and reaching out however would like everyone's opinion or personal experience on some other creative ways.

Hey Hey @Veronica Mitchell - The most simple advice is to follow the CTA trainlines.I personally love the South East Corridor of Chicago which has Bronzesville, Kenwood, Washington Park, Hyde Park, Woodlawn, and South Shore.That area will continue to be gentrified because you have the lakefront and CTA trains.Others mentioned NW along the Blue and West along the Pink, Green, and Blue lines.

Third, the typical person renting a room is not a home buyer candidate. 

i think you can be successful if you are willing to do what you alluded to, which is spend time in person in your chosen market. 

If a property goes into foreclosure on a second, as Ken said you will either be buying it subject to the first mortgage - meaning it's your mortgage now - or the first has to be satisfied to take possession of the property - or the owner of the first is going to be there bidding what they are owed, so you would need to outbid them to get the property and then you are the person paying off the first mortgage. 

I have about 100k in assets both personal and business I could sell, but part of me thinks that’s extreme and I’ll sell “myself” along the way with all my stuff.  

You can find something in Durham and parts of Raleigh, specifically zips 27610, 27603, and parts of 27604 that would meet your criteria, however generally speaking most of the inventory that would fit what you are looking for in Raleigh or Durham would likely be in neighborhoods that I personally wouldn't want to invest in, C- to D type neighborhoods.