They are working for their own short & long-term interests, which are not always aligned with individual buyers' interests.This is the same as a rehabber trying to sell their rehabbed house for the highest price possible.

I usually tell them "I understand if you want to be home and I might would be the same way so if both of our schedules align we would be glad to do that otherwise we would need to enter the unit at a convenient time for us to complete the work."  

I would become active in a local real estate groups; align yourself with a Real Estate person and let them know your interest; I would go on line and Google foreclosed properties and you have begun your journey.

I've heard the stories about people not liking to be controlled by people in the neighborhood, but usually my interests as an investor are pretty well aligned with theirs.

The asset delivers a 14.57% return, what you do with it is your business, in that sense.The investor capital schedule and the borrower principal and interest schedules only align if the loan is invested in at Par.

If 5 out of 10 quads look new and the others are being worked on quality tenants see a change in the area and might take a chance on it.You need to find out what the other owners plans are for their boarded up buildings and if it aligns with your interests.

I like to pay people by the job and align their goals with mine which is to finish the property. 

Capital obviously isn't your problem, so your first thing should be figuring out what aligns with your interests and goals.

I do not know the laws in your state, but florida laws may very well be closely aligned with your state laws.

However, all come down the same problem which is the same problem in any market, how much can you trust that person and how much is their interest aligned with yours.