Then I send an automated email campaign that attempts to get them to follow up with me and to set an appointment with them. 

Paul, first allow me to admit that I'm not really qualified to comment since I have yet to do a deal myself, however I do have an appointment tomorrow afternoon to sign my first purchase agreement, hopefully everything goes as planned. 

My drive last week got me an appointment with a potential seller next week.

Although you may be able to get great information from the local jurisdiction and its written development plans and ordinances, it will be the will of the people - either directly in neighborhood town hall meetings focused on such issues - or indirectly through their elected or appointed officials involved in the (again, political) process (planning commission and county commission or city council meeting for the purpose of considering such proposals) of coming to a decision on your proposal for a use different than what already exists.This is not a bad thing - the same emotions that drive neighborhood positions also drive care of existing properties - and thus, their and your land values.A land-use practitioner may be a great ally throughout this process - ask around among others who have navigated these waters and interview the most likely of their suggestions to find one sympathetic to your cause and not antagonistic to the political powers-that-be.  

and also you don't want to be setting up appointments to look at houses you can't buy anyway.. not fair to the homeowners they have to leave .. do something with their animals etc etc.. think about others when you embark on this journey.

Appointments to show the apartment to prospective tenants became quite painful.

I had to cancel my appointment :(.

They are appointment setters only.  

This percentage should be disclosed up front when you sign the contract to appoint them to your claim.

At that point we are just waiting for the court to issue the letters of appointment.