Definitely an interesting idea, but I think you have to either have some property management who has experience / knowledge with managing properties like this or some personal knowledge / experience running these types of properties.I also think there is good opportunities around college campuses like Kent State, Toledo, Baldwin Wallace and rent out per room to college students. 

What were your experiences when you first started, and what would you do differently now?

It's the best way to gain experience, work with buyers and make money while you're growing your business. 

For instance if I am looking in a Class D neighborhood in Los Angeles- which I am not- I know from personal experience that customer base values certain things in a rental.

Sounds like you already have a good amount of experience 

the simple reply to your question is they do not exist  except for very experienced repeat clients. someone with no experience or very limited experience is not going to get a true no money down HML..

All three of my tenants in the Pottsville property are enrolled in the Pottsville Housing Authority and I have had good experience working with that organization.There is a Schuylkill County Real Estate Investors Group on Meetup.com which might be worth checking out.

I still have no deals under my belt but I did get experience seeing first hand the "ins and outs" of deal structures working under an active investor. 

Also, I have 2 years of flipping experience in Iowa.

Any referrals for property managers with Section 8 experience?