(he also owns 2 other rental homes in same subdivision.To further confound you, I expect to turn even a better profit in my new venture building homes in The Villages in FL.

Anyone recommed a product for this job to DIY?

If you can DIY it.  

You may want to post this on a DIY forum and see what kind of responses you get.

Ideally we are looking to purchase these properties, but we are certainly interested in joint-venturing or providing cleanup work for the owners as well if they would not be interested in selling the property.In an effort to help search for these properties, I was hoping to connect with a local real estate broker, who could help keep an eye out for these types of properties, compensated for by a finder's fee % of the profit if a cleanup deal goes through. 

I've learned a lot about what to do, and what not to do, since I ventured into this business in 2005.Ursula

I starting becoming convinced that perhaps I needed to take a lot more courses before venturing out the door to further my RE-education out in the trenches.

Additionally, I am a prudent business professional and I take my business very seriously, be it as an employee, or in my own investment ventures.

If you are doing a joint venture with the partner, the disclose that and both of you go on the loan.

Good luck with your new venture.