Tenants seem amazed that I've done things like fix a loose baseboard, tighten the screws on a wall switch faceplate that was coming loose, removed and cleaned off an air return that was clogging with dust and pet hair and basically just take care of little things.  

I definitely plan to check the place out with a fine tooth comb as soon as I can get inside. 

I could get a HELOC giving me access to 80% (say $64k) The hair brained idea is to find the people that operate in that area in either wholesale or flipping, and try to partner with them once they find a property that makes sense numbers wise for him and is a good home for me.

This would be like me saying I'd like to do other people hair for a fee, but I don't want to get a cosmetology license.  

I immediately wanted him to send me RMLS properties that he said he would comb over daily and send me links to.

It is not very common for owners of these types of homes to have 70+ years of repair history on hand, let alone have delivered that to the company selling said property.Your best bet when buying a home (especially from afar) is to pay an uninterested 3rd party inspector to go through the home with a fine tooth comb.

Have also thought about giving her a small finder's fee for combing the listings to find properties that meet my exact specifications for my buy and holds.

My only other thoughts are doing a horrible job painting over flaking paint, putting plywood up painting over that and getting the bank out of our hair that way..

I'd recommend attending local REIA meetings, networking with agents, driving for dollars, direct mail, combing expired listings. 

@Brent Combs May i ask you if you can pass on the private/Hard money lenders information too us?