Hi Brandon, I'd like to start with 2 minimal residential property purchases & rentals per year.

I would like the benefit of being able to get more information on properties without wasting a realtors time weeding through a ton of properties.  

It's the one commodity nobody wants to waste.

Make sure it is safe and if you are looking for families to rent to make sure the school district is good- Your goal is to minimize turnover and keep long term tenants.

I do have a realtor friend, but I didn't want to waste my goodwill my requesting a ton of estimates as we are starting out.I suppose I could get a general feel based on comps with just really rough numbers for adjustments to find out if the deal is worthwhile at all.

let them see the financial part of owning a place ( minimal investments for maybe 1 % share ) let them get involved in ownership so they can understand and take pride in something they own.

I am trying to minimize the tax impact since we do not  meet the age requirements for withdrawal. 

Its jsut included in my loan so I was excited to get the property tenant proof so it will be minimal work to be done later out of pocket.

The price is equivalent to $171,000 for a minimal modern home.  

First find the motivation of selling, then meet that need, suggest seller financing up front, if they absolutely cannot then you'll be wasting your time and theirs.