@Eric SmithGenerally, if the taxpayer sells the relinquished property to an unrelated party, the taxpayer generally cannot acquire replacement property from a related party unless:The related party is also participating in a 1031 exchange.The related party pays more in tax on the sale to the taxpayer than the taxpayer is deferring in the exchange (this scenario is rare).Let’s look who is considered a related party: Spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings.Corporations and shareholders owning more than 50%.Commonly controlled corporations.Partnerships and partners with more than 50% interest.Trustees, grantors, and trust beneficiaries.Non-Related Parties:In-laws.Aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces.Friends.Domestic partners.Entities owned 50% or less by the taxpayer or a related party.In your case, your mother-in-law, aunts, and cousins are not considered related parties to you under the definitions in Sections 267(b) and 1031(f).

Some people are more disturbed by that than others (even if they have nothing to hide) - and following you around may give them a greater sense of control and therefore comfort.

I used to cold call, skip trace, send mailers, and don't get me wrong you will get success from it like James above, however as you gain experience you will realize you need deals faster, easier, cheaper, and with more "meat on the bones" and in order to have that you need constant deals flowing through your eco system and that's hard to do with mailers, cold calls, VA's and skip tracing etc.

.#2 if the owner doesn't want to buy it back, I can begin collecting rent since I control the deed in my name at that point.  

The president has zero impact on underwriting guidelines and  zero direct control of interest rates. in fact the fed has no direct control of long term rates that effect mortgage rates.

Always ask yourself if there's a way to systemize the different tasks you come across. 

Specifically, the the loan guarantors need to have controlling ownership in at least (i) 3 multifamily properties [with the first acquired at least 2 years ago], or (ii) 1 multifamily property that has been owned for at least the last 5 years. 

If you do it right, it’s arguably the best market to invest.Purchase: $80k-$130kRent: $1100-$1500 (no rent control in MI)1% rule: .9%-1.4% rule dealsCoc ROI: 4-12%Total ROI: 20-40%Cash flow: $50-$250/door (after all expenses and budgeting for maint, capex, vacancy)Appreciation: 3-10%+ (has been double digit for a decade)Location: C+, B-These numbers are based on the “sweet spot” in Metro Detroit.

Could help you save some serious $$ if buying and selling there and can also get you access to their MLS systems.

Surround yourself with a support system and keep pushing forward.4.