Think of how you can help them minimize the time consumption.Best of luck!

A minimal application fee to cover a background check (max $200) or the cost of an appraisal up front is okay (usually paid to a third party), but paying thousands of dollars up front is a red flag. 

But based on my price range I've been researching and filtering properties based on what I can do solo, minimum cap rates, what's turnkey, and non (or minimal) value add properties I found a lot more in the 8-12 unit range based on where I was looking.

Do you want to minimize the potential for headaches?

I also would like to focus on sourcing deals vs managing property, which has been minimal impact thus far, but showing property is a PITA.

Situation:There is a home in my neighborhood that has been unoccupied for approx 7-8 years but has been maintained (landscaping, taxes paid, etc) minimally and so is not noticeably so.

Find a mini-me Someone like you.

That is how it should be done to minimize the vacancy time.  

The two main scenarios where the lender would have an incentive to do such would be if and when interest rates rise dramatically or when a lender has purchased the note from the existing note holder at a discount.Back before the due on sale clause became standard, properties where purchased subject to the mortgage, or with a mortgage assumption to (1) preserve a lower than market interest rates when rates rose from 4% to 18% in a matter of 5 years, (2) to purchase a property where the borrower would not qualify for a new loan, (3) to finalize a property transfer faster than if a new loan was obtained and (4) to save the fees involved for loan origination, processing, underwriting, etc.Today, subject to property acquisition works best from a buyer perspective when he is able to buy the property with little or know down payment, so his equity exposure is minimal and he has no liability for note payment.

There is only one kitchen on one side so I would have to plumb in the other side, put in new countertops, cabinets, cook top, fridge and do minimal repairs.