Depending on your effective tax bracket, it could be less expensive to take it out over several years.Besides the tax hit you would take now, I would consider the lost opportunity of tax-deferred compounding on a significant sum.  

That additional income can also effect your ratios as you'll be tagged with any lease that remains if you're still liable, can they see if your roommate can afford the full rents?

Much more effective than that card they are going to stick into their pocket and forget.

They cash flow $3,100/per month so its like a snowball effect.

What are some effective keywords to bid on?

Some landlords I know use a manager but takes all maintenance calls because he doesn't trust the manager to use the cheapest effective fix for repairs.  

@ Darrin Carey - I'm all for effective team work, but because I am just starting out, I have no idea how much it costs to have these people on my team and I don't want to spend money where I don't need to.

please tell me the best and the most effective way to get owner's info and speak with him directly without bringing in the agent....

What is the most effective way to reach out to people with $4,000 to spend on a down payment?

Certainly there is a lot to learn about this business but it can be accomplished much more cost effectively than a major capital investment in such a program.