@Daniel Clem what I meant to say is you can list the vacant rental apartment with your real estate agent to receive pre-qualified tenants to select from.

The two agents help minimize the effects of what is commonly referred to as "dual agency."8.

I run a small interior demolition company that specializes in selective demo....

If I'm selected, please let me know next steps!!

I only have about 15-20k I can use to invest, so I need to figure out how to get creative financing.Maybe you could consider joint ventures with homeowners who don't want to sell to wholesalers but don't have the money to do repairs themselves.I don't mean major repairs but just optimizing the appeal for a retail buyer.Once you agree on an as-is price near what a wholesaler would offer you could lock it down with sales contract.Then a joint venture contract could be drawn up that protects both parties.You would not be looking for distress sales because the homeowner needs to be able to keep paying the mortgage and has to have enough funds to move out before the work is completed.You would have to be selective about the owner and be confident they can fully understand the process and that they can pull it off. 

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?

Your time here will be well spent.Since you didn't mention a specific REI area of interest, I added the below links for your selection of one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?