When I've met the dog in person, it's very calm and nice; it just seems to bark a lot when its owner is not home.

Preferably vacant. 

I wouldn't touch a rowhouse in Baltimore under $200k, and would preferably want to be in the $250k plus neighborhoods.

Do I just simply say, "I want to buy your house if interested" and keep it general or make it more personalized, "foreclosures are tough, I would like to help." 

Here is the current list of cities:http://ritaohio.com/MunicipalitiesI am rather sure that the list has only been expanding over time.As a person/entity who earns rental income in any of these jurisdictions, you are required to file a return not only for the state, but also for RITA.

And finally (I personally despise this option) you offer cash for keys.

I to,d him if he thought selling Cutco knives was challenging, imagine trying to sell a person on investing $50k or more with a sponsor that has yet to perform in this RE market (regardless if the value add is smart and likely to do well).  

You can get into a 3-4 family properties (3 to 4 family is preferred since it is tough to find a duplex now that cash flows once you move onto your next househack) with as little as 3.5% down (FHA loan, you can only have one of these outstanding at any given time) vs. 5% conventional loan (you can have up to 10 of these on your credit report before you essentially run out of space) and create an investment property with little money out of your pocket. 

TIAEither way, I would get on a plane and check out the cities in person.

but again, recent changes in the market have made cash flow much tougher just about everywhere.i don't invest in Florida myself but I'd pick a couple markets, go to each one in person, and look at as many places as you can.