If you're looking at Indianapolis, look for the blog on "Grading Indianapolis Neighborhoods" as it has a color coded map that may help.The "war zones" that I am hesitant of right now are:Anywhere on N Sherman Dr and 3-4 blocks east and west...

I manage over 300 rentals and this is one of my favorite services.

Also any favorite resources on how to get started?

Own bank acct, own check series (like the 3000s), own check colors, etc. 

Check out my personal favorite, Set For Life by @Scott Trench , or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. 3.

How did you learn to design or pick out the colors and styles you used?

My favorite one is Real Estate at Work, find them on meetup.com.

If they like the property I have them go to a web site(pick your favorite) and do a background and credit check.

probably not, unless you know your numbers and know how to raise value in a short period of timeThere are several ways to do it, one of my favorite being get a loan as usual for 75% and see if the seller would be willing to lend you the down payment (the other 25%) upon closing.

My plan is to then get some nice colored envelopes and mass print these 300 or so letters at staples, put them in the envelopes, hand write the address, stamp them and send them out.