Meanwhile my mom expressed that she wants to start investing as well.

@Kevin Burns I used a Groupon for real estate express.

Search Groupon Dallas as they had a great deal from Real Estate Express 

When there are replies to that pitch from some of those prospects expressing interest, then I can take it from there and close the deal.I tried two virtual assistant companies from India, recommended by Tim Ferriss in the Four Hour Work Week, Brickwork and Your Man in India, neither of them worked out. 

I ask them questions and I want to see their facial expressions.

Feed their own language back to them to express that you understand, and ask questions where you honestly don't understand.Hope this helps ...

I posted a letter on the door expressing my interest in the home.

Lenders have expressed a willingness to loan us money as individuals for a mortgage loan, but not to our companies.

Until their problem becomes YOUR problem they will act all nice and rosy.I would ask for the rent credits and a repair credit.If the landlord doesn't get them out BEFORE you close then you are taking on their problem.You have to express to the sellers if they want top market they have to hand over problem free.You also need the landlord to sign a document along with each tenant stating they have no unwritten agreements or understandings related to rents that differ from the stated leases OR that one of the tenants is a handy man that did work for the seller and their is a disagreement on work credit off the rent.

Later we went to Panda Express for dinner.