I have good relations with the owner but they are extremely strict on this because if the deal gets out, they will be more overwhelmed with calls than they already are.I found a tenant who seems on the surface to be a good candidate.

And maybe we can be valuable to each on some from of fashion.

Historically, of course, dark-stained flooring was less a fashionable possibility and more a solution used to hide multiple imperfections in cheap oak floors. 

Some older homes can be great investments if they've been well-maintained, while others might be a money pit even if they look nice on the surface. 

I'm just wondering how do you SCALE without buying on the good old fashioned 70% rule/MAO? 

You'll find each shop is very, very different with most simply focusing on good old-fashioned Fannie, Freddie, FHA, VA, and USDA.

This info is sometimes available via ancillary MLS systems (such as REALIST), or you can do an old fashioned public records search for mortgages.

This is because marketing costs money, and that is a big part of the listing agent's job.Another major part of any real estate agent's job is making sure all contracts and documents are properly executed in a timely fashion. 

Is it too late to really build wealth in a timely fashion so that we can enjoy our golden years eventually? 

I would use the good ole fashion enemy method and make sure your agent is specialized in STR