I also try to emphasis that it cost money paid to the companies who conduct the actual checks. 

The mechanics of it vary a bit, but the idea is you get it at a price you're happy with, the seller gets a price they're happy with, and the wholesaler makes a profit in between.A good wholesaler will only offer properties at an appropriate discount for an investor to be interested in it.

Of course I know I need to do my research on the mechanics of it, but I always figured I wouldn't have any difficulty qualifying.

Cheaper to buy them in bulk I believe and then have a shade tree mechanic come in and put them in for a few hundred dollars. 

I do share you angst that folks are being harmed by a reenforcement mechanism that does not allow them to take the plunge to provide for themselves but at the same time I see the value in stability a large portion of folks you describe would fail miserably if the carpet was pulled out from under them.

So, placing emphasis on a trustee doing a lot of current business really isn't going to be any advantage to you and, most likely, they won't take you on as a client; 1. it can easily get into a conflict of interest counseling you as a buyer and being called upon to act as trustee.....and 2.

They have a business degree with a few different emphasis.

If so, your HVAC/mechanical contractor should be able to install thermostats and valves to control heat in each unit.

If I need advice about a car, I ask a mechanic.

I would send an inquiry to the appraisal district and see if they have a mechanism in place for tracking /identifying what property is a multi unit property ( along with the number of units).