Since this will be my first deal, I'm looking for any advice and tips on what I should be doing before and after I connect with the seller, to make things go smoothly in case I get a bite! 

Participating in my first city tax auction next week.Any general tips?

I would maybe ask the person sending these emails (if through the meditator or not) if there was a particular instance that they were upset about that you could resolve - did they have too much to drink maybe and tromped through  her flower garden, were they excessively loud and kept her young children awake etc. - is there a resolvable issue you can fix to appease her until you get these last bookings through? 

@Jonathan BombaciThanks for all the great tips. 

Any tips?

Any tips or advice moving forward?

Any tips for getting a mortgage with putting 20-25% down? 

There are several of them. https://certifiedtaxcoach.org/five-tips-to-avoiding-the-tax-hazards-of-renting-to-relatives/#:~:text=Rent%20at%20Fair%20Market%20Value&text=If%20they%20rent%20below%20fair,for%20more%20than%2014%20days.

Thanks for the tips!

I will be using Bigger Pockets' resources to reach out to agents as well, but any tips/ advice in getting started would be appreciated!