It is challenging in the winter months as people tend to focus on the holidays, shopping, dinners, parties, etc.

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

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.

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. 

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... 

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....

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

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

I have shopped for a new manager.