I have found that a really good approach on this site is to find as much info as you can on your own and ask specific questions like an objection that is brought up by a motivated seller. 

My goal is to build a healthy secondary income as my husband and I approach retirement over the next 15 years.I'm focusing right now on how to evaluate property and learning about different financing options.

The marketing and approach will be very different for these 2 distinct populations.Not sure you will get a university to endorse private housing, but you could establish a brand and market via the University's newspaper, radio, bulletin boards, etc.

Thanks Jonathan - that seems like a good approach.  

Is this a good idea or is there a better approach?

., I would need to approach their lender (with a signed release) and ask if they would take $75,000. rather than go through a foreclosure?

That is the spray and pray approach.  

I have basically used my income and savings to fund these deals plus the holding costs, and even though I can take my time and have the rehab/s completed at a leisurely pace or so, that is the slow-slow approach and isn't quite the plan I had in mind from the beginning.  

@Arthur Fuller II I have tried the door knocking approach here in San Diego, but my intention in doing it was more focused on the value of the experience rather than getting a "deal".  

Great place to start is the blog, podcasts and webinars.A more hands on approach for networking is your local REIA.I cannot speak on behalf of any other organization other than Southern CT REIA.