A good majority of folks won't even look at a house if they can't "see it". 

That's what I did and many folks on bigger pockets have done too.

Most folks are home then.

We have some exposure to the architecture/contractor ecosystem through my wife's work and have a family member who is our MLS access point, but we are hoping to deepen our knowledge and broaden our network.I've found a few Minneapolis related posts so thanks in advance to the folks who started those threads as I've already found them very informative.

Seattle is saturated with these folks and I don't even look there.Successful wholesaling isn't usually a good newbie option, despite the fact that it doesn't require any cash to begin.

I also struggle with partnering but I'll hire folks without hesitation if the work and money allow for it.

@Adam Rothweiler Sounds like your making the transition from SFR to commercial so the likely 1st purchase would be a smaller building that will likely attract mom & pop businesses.Most folks don't go from SFR to a plaza with a grocery store as the anchor.When you are screening the mom & pop businesses there is no reason not to run a credit and criminal check on the owners themselves. 

Meet with these folks via google voice/skype/etc at least once every 2 weeks and hold each other accountable.

A lot of these folks that have 4-5 properties, DTI goes *down* for each property they buy, so literally just about the only thing that matters is if they have the down payment and PITI reserves, and how well you package it for underwriting to understand it all.

I am always amazed how many apartments buildings (mostly conversions like the one in this case) I go into where folks have not bothered with proper fire separation between units.