Open houses bring buyers AND they bring sellers who are looking to more or less interview and observe agents before deciding who to use. 2.

I am not in the Sacramento area, but as you asked for observations in other areas, I am offering those up to you.

Great observation with the incorrect door swing!

let them know you have a potential deal and willing to do a profit share if they take  the lead on it and closes.we as investors are always looking for more opportunities to do deals and you will benefit by observing how everything is done.if you need more help just PM me....Peter

You can go as an observer.

And I agree with @Jason Hirko - most investors are about rentals, not flips, though I wrote an article  on my website about the flips I've observed local investors pull off.I wouldn't worry about the base at all.  

In my observation I have found that institutions tend to have strengths and weaknesses.  

-There are great tenants in it already-Only the roof needs replacing-I could get it under contract for the amount that is left on the mortgage and broker a deal to an investor that is still well enough below market value to create a winning situation for all parties involvedThese are just my observations thus far, what am I missing currently that makes you weary?

You observe what's working and what isn't.

I'm a Chicago and Southside investor (Landlord, flipper, broker, turn-keyer) and I'm familiar with Mack, but not as a customer strictly as an observer.