He is a young, enthusiastic, communicative brand new investor who I believe would do you proud in this undertaking. 

It is a cost effective (although time consuming) way of identifying leads.

Modelling is the fastest, most effective and efficient way to learn.

No idea as to how effective they are and suspect the franchise holders would keep this info pretty confidential.

Was wondering if strategies like direct mailing are effective in this high end of the market...anyone have experience with this?

Mainly because without deep level knowledge those unknown little mistakes add up to big amounts of lost money ( a compounding effect ).The same holds true when when you are an expert in something in that you catch almost all the little things that can really eat into your success with an investment.

.- awesome communication with both you and your tenant.- owners statements every month, and a end of year statement.- both rental comps and sales comps based on actual sales not more than 3 months oldSpring has rents for SFR's normally between $1350/mo and $1900/moI would budget based on 12 month leases renewing 2-3 times. 

As a licensed Realtor, you are providing a service of value, and if you were to give that to your IRA for free, you are in effect adding value to the IRA - which could constitute a self-dealing, prohibited transaction.  

Steven Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People).

He should also be able to communicate freely with a lender, but in accordance with your operations agreements.