I position my inspections as 'planning for future repairs/improvements' which mitigates that whole 'he's here to get my security deposit' mindset.And, I would rather have the tenant with me than to have him later claim that something was broken during the inspection.  

You are talking to someone here on te ground who is directly looking at what is going on and knows the people impacted. 

I've purchased a couple of my investment properties directly from property management clients who decided to sell. 

Start with Reonomy or Costar to identify all the 100+ units in your target market (on and off market) and then see if you can get into direct contact with some owners.

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The BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) could also be a great strategy to recycle your capital.To find deals, try direct mail campaigns targeting absentee owners or distressed properties, or go driving for dollars in neighborhoods with strong rental potential.

Do I contact the inspector directly?  

If they won't pay, end their lease and deduct the cost from their deposit after they vacate.P.S.

hyper forcus on one area and go under contract directly with the sellers.

I will send you a direct message with details.