Could I market it as a package to retirees in exchange for a lump sum?

He can do a 1031 exchange because it is investment property and completely defer all tax and depreciation. 

who hang their shingle out there I will work in exchange for mentorship.. but of course these folks have no experience so you have to be in training mode. but never know when you can polish up a gem.on stricktly commish basis I think this will be a tough one for you.. unless your a top player and buying numerous deals each week or if its a once a month auction your buying 10 to 30 props at a time.

A few of them have been foreign exchange students.

Perhaps your JV partner can front some of the cash in exchange for 50% of the profit on the back-end.

@Tom Cooper, As you can see, thanks to you, we are having a constructive exchange on how we can find opportunities in this market.

We exchange information and he gives me the owners name and #.Fast forward a few weeks, me and real estate agent still can not get a hold of the owner and the reason I am hopping on here is to ask the community how best would you go about contacting the owners to buy this property.  

I found a small, local moving company and negotiated a discounted rate in exchange for them getting all the business I generate for them.

Or exchanging for another property with a 1031 after the 5 year window for capital gains.

First stop was the cracked heat exchanger on the furnace , I get the home inspector to show me the crack .........................