Unfortunately we both had vehicles that were also not reliable enough to make it back and forth to work so we have these loans on us now as well. 

Offer to renovate the signage at the front of the property, if it's looking a bit tired or needs painting. 

Lots of tire kickers!

I was so tired of beating my head against a wall trying to find someone that would insure properties in need of major rehab and finding them was like a miracle from heaven.

What is the terminology for the vehicle that basically does the same thing?

I actually don't want to do much direct mail, just letters for probate and maybe some postcards to tired landlords.Video clips, short ones, are 'probably' a little more effective, at least to start. 

Have been reading that a solo IRA would be a better vehicle for purchasing property as the property can be leveraged with a non recourse loan and not have to pay tax on the gains associated with the loan portion at the “trust” tax rates.

If I went this route eventually I would probably charge a nominal fee of 500-1000 up front to get rid of the tire kickers and then just charge X amount for however many hours.

Pledge your vehicle or some asset as collateral to the investor.

I wouldn't cashflow enough to fully pay the mortgage, but I feel this would be a good vehicle for me to build equity and then in a few years I could use the equity in the townhome to help me finance a duplex.