In looking for an eviction attorney I would look for someone who has experience in eviction court and knows how the judges in your area deal with both standard and funky cases.

Your offer will have to go through the agent, and you will have to use the standard local contract forms.  

One way or another, however, the investors must work to pay down loans, increase rents and decrease expenses wherever possible.

@Patrick Philip You will be looking for opportunities to increase income or decrease expenses.

Yes, its pretty standard.

Due to my income falling between the $100-$150k, I am curious on how to increase the amount I can write off of the maximum $25k passive loss for active real estate investors (not sure if there is a term for this write off). 

If you own land close by you are probably aware of the rapid increases in land values based on a strong economy and the proximity to the Domain (the new Downtown) just 2 miles away.

In NJ, the statewide standard real-estate form has NO ASSIGNMENT clause so be careful.

Also keep in mind that those on a visa are held to a higher standard to keep that visa.

If you are discovered, as a few landlords recently were, you could not only face a lawsuit from your tenants where they could recover the increased rent they paid, moving costs, etc., but you may be liable for punitive damages.