Ethical investors do what they say they will do.

I can only speak from being broker licensed in CA and here and probably there in MI you will probably have a "Fiduciary," duty to act honestly, ethically, and in the clients favor.

instead of being an investor creates different rules of ethical disclosure to potential buyers, and I have a pre-legal degree, too. 

I have a ton of passion to learn, the work ethic to figure it out, and the guts to fail without reconsidering.

If I can't do it legally, and ethically, I won't.

Then, I suppose, it's up to work ethic and execution.I also like the idea of negotiating seller-financed deals on rental properties with lower down payments.Any thoughts on how I can work most effectively?

Probably not a easy task done ethically.

Thanks @Jon HoldmanAn honest and ethical answer exactly what I was looking for.

Is there a way I can legally and ethically contact the seller, hear their predicament, find a deal and still leave a good relationship between me, seller, Realtor(s), and tenant?

The second you hire him to do anything on acquisition, even if the offer is turned down or even if it is not made, he can no longer ethicly take any action to buy one of these properties, or even disclose them to another person because it would be a conflict with a client.