Or can you find another deal with a strong value-add component?

Check out Cash Flow Ninja and others like it so you can better understand the financial fundamentals you want to align with your REI goals with. 

I read that and I wonder if your interests and your friend's interests are truly aligned.

This should be aligned with your investment goals. 

Since higher price points and more uniqueDownsidesTenant vacancies can last longerRequires more sales and involvement during value add phase which may not align with my initial part time goals ?

It will be very difficult for you to get a good feel for the market (even if you visit in person a couple of times), and you will have to rely heavily or completely on third parties who are generally not financially aligned with your long-term interests.

Managers need to be aligned with owner goals.  

They pulled the listing and relisted it with and ARV of 290K......which no comp could be found to support......I'm really not impressed with any of the wholesalers, I have met..........However, they are going to keep jacking up the prices if they can keep selling them to people who can't or don't see the need to run a simple comp on google.

As for how to build relationships, click on this article: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/10145/70795-ho...Instead of trying to wholesale their deals, find others with aligned interests and form partnerships in order to purchase the deals.

Put in the plan your estimated time of replacement of major system components such as roof, HVAC, appliances, plumbing, etc.