While doing some M&A business scouting, I came across someone looking to sell their Wholesale Real Estate franchise which I didn't know was an actual thing as far as franchising goes.

@Chantal Jones you can try using Neighborhood Scout to see which areas are more at risk.

I will be in Vegas for a convention the week of January 22, and plan to rent a car and head that direction for the 25th through 27th to scout some areas. 

Currently scouting the outlying areas of Cincinnati for first time investment.

BTW the guy is an eagle scout like I am

Do not invest in any city on Neighborhood Scouts’ list of the 100 most dangerous US cities.Low operating cost - High operating costs can turn what appears to be a profitable property into a money pit.

Has anyone ever used neighborhood scout?

To answer the OPs question, my first "tip" would be to start scouting neighborhoods to identify where you want to invest. 

Never invest in any city on Neighborhood Scout’s 100 most dangerous cities list.Rent control - Some states and metro areas have implemented various kinds of rent control.

Some ideas:Offer the seller an envelope with 12 post dated check - they don't have to wait for the letter carrier.Offer to put a deed in lieu of foreclosures in escrow with their lawyer - transferring property back to them in the event of non-payment or violation of the terms of the mortgage -Offer to have monthly inspections of the property by sellerLet them know they will be added to your insurance policy in the event of fire - they get paid offOffer additional collateral (like a blanket mortgage) - always on a blanket mortgage you should have a release clause after the equity reaches a certain amount - no need to tie up your equityProvide additional co-signersProvide your nice guy resume (written testimonials about you from past customers, transactions, your preacher and other lenders, awards, newspaper clippings of you rescuing a cat from a tree, awards from the Boy Scouts) have all this in writing.