These mentorship programs are as much about access to resources (capital, loan qualification, vendors) as they are about education. 

Although I am a Realtor and have access to the MLS and can see old listings, I have seen that Redfin has been pretty reliable as a #2 option.All in all, you want to compare properties with as many similar features as possible and be aware of the obvious outliers, with the main culprit being size difference (You really don't want to compare a 3000 sq. ft. house with 3 bedrooms to a 900 sq. ft. house with 3 bedrooms).

The building would ideally consist of apartments on the second and third floor with commercial space(s) on the first. 

This might still be a lot for applicants in a C-class neighborhood, but it will be much less work for both of you if they can do it online (again, assuming they have access to a computer and a debit or credit card).

I now understand you were looking for the things that normal due diligence might miss.I had a person who bought a property that was in a larger town and there was the air space above the house that was sold so that no one could block another building or sign. 

I have a great realtor, who understands investment property and to my knowledge exists solely in this space.

Here are the variables that need to come to a lender to get qualified for loan:ExperienceCreditCash (probably 25% down + closing costs + reserves)Net worth (usually 1:1 with exceptions for lots of experience)If you don't have ALL of these, then you need a partner that will fill in the rest of the gaps.FYI, for commercial type loans in the private space, your income is almost entirely irreverent. 

It just buys you time while your other marketing is working and provides you boots on ground for someone to show the property (if your cleaner shows) that's cheaper and more accessible than an agent. 

The wife and I are looking at this property tonight, not as a rental, but as a potential new primary residence for us and our children:https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/12161-E-French-...It's not perfect for our family style, but it does have a nice amount of space. 

Also I'm a #liberal and I've always paid my bills and not trashed a single space my entire life...might want to check yourself before you throw out labels.