@Nathan Gesner Do you personally work with any such organizations?

It's called a payoff statementif it's a big lender you will not buy the loan as it will take forever, you are better just paying it off. you then can foreclose based on the total balance owed to you which is both loans and any accrued interest. regarding fixing property or selling as is, that really depends and needs to be evaluated on a case by case basis 

Maybe I’ll buy outside sheds for each unit and rent to them.

Don't buy beyond your means when it comes to construction.

I am also looking for guidance on being an agent as I have a few friends and family members looking to buy within the next year.

If you are simply buying for a lifestyle investment, then you have much more leeway in what/where you might consider buying.

Does anyone have much success buying SFH with seller financing? 

An example of one package we have is a Romantic Package - $199. 12 Balloons (buy the helium tanks and keep balloons on site for your team or use a local shop)Rose Petal Entry Way (bought off Amazon)2 Dozen Roses (local grocery store for $10-15 each dozen)Led Candle Display (bought off amazon and reusable)I Heart U Signs (amazon and reusable)Champagne (or wine if they want)This equals around $60-70 each time and we pay our cleaner $40 to set up.

I'd buy one, they'd buy the next.  

Patience is definitely needed if you are trying to buy from a resident with no real estate experience.