I had not thought of the "test advertisement" approach to get an idea of interest in the market, great idea!

I'm  preparing to approach them that I'd like to learn about the business, as my mom does most of the managing (reluctantly) than my dad the investor/handyman does.

What you need depends on how you choose to approach the business, how you plan to find your deals to wholesale.  

Best approach to finding them is through bigger pockets or local meet ups!

I have an area and investment strategy in mind but when I went to get pre-approval for a loan I hit a wall - the local lender I approached told me that my DTI is too high.

I've got some properties that are FSBO but I'm not entirely sure HOW to approach the seller.. 

I suggest that you approach a few small local banks.  

I will be approaching the landlord of my current property with an offer, but I want to have finance sorted first.I am looking at taking a 30 year mortgage and will be putting at 20% deposit.Any banks or brokers that would work with some foreign rental income?

Definitely a creative approach, and sounds like it's going to play out well.

isn't working for me....I do belong to a local group and have not approached anyone that I know of about this in particular.