Although you say they are tech illiterate, I'm going to assume they have a smart phone (that's all they make these days right???).

Just saying ,the expenses for out of state properties is hard to manage when you have no physical, eyes on, level of work, or professionalism done,, until a problem really surfaces and then you've paid thru the nose, jump hoops to figure things out after the fact. 

We want to start investing in real estate to offset that income by one of us becoming a "real estate professional".

You'd be well served to enlist the help of a local RE professional that's really familiar with these.. nuances, so to speak.There are at least a few of them on this forum.

Let me give you a few danger signs to watch out for when shopping for an attorney:If they don't have a paralegal and or Assistant and handle everything themselves (incl. pick up the phone), stay away.If they don't get back to you the same business day, be careful.

If you don't mind living a little outside of the city, Ferndale and Royal Oak are great places to look, especially for young professionals. 

You can, but you'll be sacrificing possible sales every time you opt not to answer that phone call or show that house.

I am curious to hear what other people have done to find a property owner who is interested or how you got one to be interested in doing a MLO.I have been making phone calls and have found some individuals who have stated their interest in moving forward so there will be more to come with that.

Research and Education is the key, even when faced with overwhelming opinions by professionals.

If the offer is accepted I schedule a professional inspection to verify the condition and life expectancy  of all major components and appliances.