(Living Trusts are permitted under Garn-St Germaine and DO NOT trigger the due on sale clause as long as the borrower retains beneficial interest and the right to occupy the property.) 

From those who did not pull the trigger and buy the property, i still kept their contact info and built if from there.  

We have had trouble finding knowledgable realtors that understand what we are trying to do as well as be responsive when it comes to getting us info (we are ready to buy and pull the trigger, but agent in the past took too long and deal is under contract).Does anyone have any recommendations?

If your applicants are paying the screening fees, I wouldn't pull that trigger until the first applicant is out.  

Talk with them, look at houses, even if you are not ready to pull the trigger yet.  

Readup and listen to the podcasts but most of all set a deadline and pull the trigger.  

I've been interested in RE investing for years and haven't pulled the trigger yet, except for a home we bought with the intention of having it be an investment and ended up using it as our primary. 

I hope to pull the trigger on this property soon.

Without a doubt doing this activity inside an IRA will trigger UBIT.  

I'm currently doing interior design/furniture rehabbing, but am getting ready to pull the trigger on my first flip.