My peeps that want to be ACTUALLY super aggressive, I originate a faux 123 Main St deal and actually send it through underwriting for formal loan approval.

You could send a short letter after meeting with them that thanks them for talking to you and formally puts down that you want to buy if they decide they want to sell.

I'm looking at a multifamily on 72nd & Center that you would think is in Milwaukee but in fact is in a tiny pocket of Wauwatosa that juts north along the irregular border.

We decided up front, and wrote it into our operating agreement  (Yes, I have a formal 15 page operating agreement with my sister.) that all decisions must be unanimous.

.- Make sure you use formal, written leases and not just "Hey you can move in and chip in for the rent" casual agreements.

Have him go to bat for you to get a formal cancellation of the listing contract.  

Also, do I have to do a formal walk through in these processes, or is it about getting my unit back from the tenant first and foremost and then having the time to do all the admin stuff (walk thru, inspection to determine deposit return amount, etc.?)

Be sure to dress professionally but not too formally if you do decide to go door knocking.

Any real estate activity you are involved in creates a certain level of liability for your broker even if it is across the border.

I do live near Elk Grove just bordering Sacramento so if there is any other groups that can be advised I will gladly take it.