I would be more inclined to do a few single family homes myself.

You can then just patch and paint the drywall, or if it's too damaged, you can always replace the drywall, which does indeed take longer, but on the other hand, drywall (even water-resistant or "green" drywall- what you want for a bathroom) is not super-expensive and is DIY if you have the time and inclination (Though it is on the harder side as far as DIY projects go) 

What could I have printed on the back of my business cards (I'm a realtor) that would make you so inclined to hang onto it?

Both the seller and I are not inclined in involve a realtor (and the included commission).  

If they are inclined to help you and you show your willingness to work hard and you bring something to the relationship they may help. 2.

While it is difficult to pinpoint confusion in these matters as we never know who started the bad information, I would be inclined to think folks confuse this idea with other strategies like a Subject To where the investor takes title to the property.

I would be inclined to say it's because the truth and reality slaps them in the face, it is not what they thought or were told by a guru and they spin their wheels until the wheels fall off.  

Ben Volk I'm not sure where you found the info about the decline of the population in metro Columbus, but it's been on a pretty steady incline for awhile now.

I would be inclined to try to repeat what is working very well. 

Timothy Riley my CPA advised me to use a SDIRA to buy and hold, so I have a lot of the same questions (and I'm inclined to agree with a lot of folks here - doesn't seen like that's the best strategy).