I also see that there is an empty outside access room in the rear that I was told can have washers and dryers installed for additional income.

People who have capital or access to capital can thrive in a recession.

I’d like to keep the low interest 1st and just take out a HELOC to pay off the 2nd and have access to the equity on the rental to purchase more investment properties.

How did you access the phone number for the owners of the homes you targeted?

Wow...I wish here in Cook County (Chicago) our court system would be this accessible where you could simply call into the clerk to say you were late or fax in personal requests to the judge.Here, defendants get 30 days to vacate a default judgement [almost] without question.

Others just want to create stable monthly income or want to build a portfolio in a more accessible market than the one they live in, but aren't interested in getting their hands dirty in the day-to-day.

well I am sure there are going to a lot of answers depending on what you are looking to do but one starting point is paying for access to the mls.

Are there any suggestions for accessing a Property Management contract to use between my neighbor and myself?

An AC person might be able to find the leak, if the lines are accessible. 

You should have access to their data base.