The open house incentivizes prospective tenants to act in a timely fashion because they see other people are interested.

Open to rent ,owner finance, lease option , or just plane old fashion sale.

My current short term goal is to invest in a small multifamily by summer 2015, likely in an owner-occupied fashion.

A great one would have the ability to give you insight on specific neighborhoods for properties you're considering, and even manage any renovations for you in a relatively turn key fashion.

At worst they offer incorrect and damaging information costing the recepient loss of money and time, and in some cases leading to damages to the people the “mentored” are dealing with .It is fashionable amongst those with limited formal edification to buy into the self servicing bs put forth by those selling the $20-40k programs that formal education is a waste of money and time, and actually may be harmful to your success. 

Looks like you will be spending 30k - 40k out of pocket anyways, which, combined with some private money, might be enough to do a good old fashioned BRRRR in PG county and generate better returns.

(grey color floors won't be in fashion forever)

Good old fashioned networking with professionals in your marketSEO, Ads, etcDirect Mail to lists (absentee owners etc).There is a lot of marketing info on other boards here that is tried and true. 

These people require an investor to reach out to them and help them with their situationI do not disagree with those that say cold calling is "outdated" or "old fashioned".

Checkbook plans involve a legal/consulting layer separate from the IRA custodian that is not restricted in the same fashion as the custodial layer, so such providers can assist with better education on compliance matters.