So, the even if the rent does not cover the debt service you can still potentially qualify. 

Determine what you are looking for in the best multifamily property; this could include things like location size condition rental potential cash flow projections value-add opportunities etc.

I am looking at potential leads in these counties and would like to start lining up the folks. 

12 month bank statement program seems like the best bet.

 I’m starting out and I’d like to know how would you go about doing an inspection on a potential deal to calculate rehab costs if the property doesn’t have any services turned on?

Options 1 and 2 are your best bet.

I do not know of any such sites; however, my clients, when talking to a potential seller, listened to their pain points and tried to understand and empathize with their core 'why?'

I am also going to talk to more of my family and friends to see if I could potentially work out a partnership.

Considering the local anti landlord laws what would be the best way to handle this to avoid any potential issues from the legal perspective?

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.