When I'm interested in such stuff I try to get a center of influence to family to introduce me, like a neighbor or one who does business with them, I don't go to the funeral home. :)

This is where you leverage the power of the Lease to influence the tenant to adhere what he/she agreed to.  2.

The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, How to Master the Art of Selling, and How to Win Friends and Influence People are great places to start building sales skills. 

You have to make sure you're talking to the one who can influence the rest of the family.

Scott's book on flipping and of course the little purple book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and i just cracked open "How To Win Friends & Influence People." 

Plus you can see if the neglect was more of the manager's influence or the owner. 

Normal factors that influence the rate include:- Credit score - Loan to Value- Type of property (Single family vs Condo..)- Primary vs Investor- Type of Loan program (Fixed vs ARM)All these factors will influence a borrowers rate.

Many learn by doing, if they don't do enough they may never be aware of issues or never drill down deep enough to have a good foundation of legal compliance, market influences, asset classes, risk assessments and strategies available under different circumstances.

Does this personal carry a lot of influence in the REI community?

You have more money than I did :)Do you have 25 people or more in your sphere of influence that have $10k each...if so I have met very few people that didn't have that network you are off to the races.