I spent a decade in advertising, before founding and running a custom wood shop for another decade, so 'm pretty good at the self-promotion.I agree with you that the more gorilla approach would be most effective and that's actually what i've been doing – calling RE agents in my service area with active listings, introducing myself to property managers and leasing agents...To answer your question, I will have to handle the work myself for 6-12 months to build out the SOPs and field service management systems, but I have a lot of relationships for those looking to "do the work".I'll check out the meet up and would love to grab a cup of coffee, I'll shoot you an email.

If there were ever a time to shop multiple carriers and even multiple agents (if necessary), that time is now. 

Look at sold properties, attend open houses, talk with local realtors, walk the streets, talk to neighbors, shop owners, etc. to find the areas that appeal to you  5- what may seem like negative cash flow today, will be positive with the value add strategy, and market appreciation of both rents and core property value.

I currently have a pre approval and am shopping properties and am stuck on the deal analysis side of things.

Coffee shops, fast food, subscriptions, even consider what groceries you buy. 

You can shop 10 or 20 lenders in a weeks time, find out what products they offer, what rates, what overlays and qualifications they each have for you....

U have to shop for the deal and compete or deal with wholesalers thats no fun.. you have to make quick discussions etc etc.. with a nice renovated prop you get to buy it have your home inspection and understand what your buying... 

Zoning says that it is a repair service shop, excluding automobiles, any idea if leasing out storage space would be permitted?

Hey @Kevin Oh,It’s great that you’re shopping around for the best deal!

But it could also be a coffee shop or an etsy store and the cash flow goes into real estate.