That's insinuating that I have poor fiscal discipline, not being able to budget or manage finances responsibly, which is not the case here - especially when I have budgeted smart for over a decade in anticipation of pondering a career change such as this one.  

This will allow me to attend networking events and hopefully talk to some influencers there.

Fiscal and Monetary Stimulus.

whom do you see more often at a auctions - talk to real estate agents who deal with investors - who is their best client -You are looking for THE MAN - the person who is making things happen - this is the person you want to connect with.Don't over-look active investors on Bigger Pockets - it is OK to have a long distant Mentor.When you find THE MAN - the person who is making deals - bringing in $20,000 or much more a month - this is the person you want to FOLLOW ---So - how do you you worm yourself into his center of influence? 

He did a lot to influence me about business, fairness and community.Another mentor was a very successful hotel developer, another was the president of a bank.The Army drilled into my head such things as duty, honor and country, your country begins at home.

This won't work for this property, but this is what you can do in the future.You can't talk to, or influence the appraiser in your current refi situation, however, if you know you will be refinancing in the near future (next time), say 2-3 months, go and get your own appraisal first.  

Who in your spear of influence can you go out to dinner with this week that is wealthy, who is in your phone that you feel comfortable to call later than 7 pm that has all the things you aspire to gain. 

I can't seem to find any reliable news source online that I'm comfortable trusting to influence my current buy/sell decision.

I was recently thinking that doing so could improve the response-per-subject property rate.For example, I'd think that we'd have a better chance at getting a response about 123 Main St. if I'm consistently mailing 4 people (the Executor/PR plus the 3 Interested Parties), than if I was contacting the Executor alone.I also think it could help you potentially develop rapport with multiple people that have influence on what ends up happening with the Decedent's property.I've seen it over-and-over where the Executor likes our offer, and just wants to "get it over with," only to have other family members talk them out of accepting the cash offer.Questions:- Is it legal to reach out to the Interested Parties as well, or can you only contact the Executor alone?

I think an important factor that influences the ratio is the percent of owner-occupied properties.