There are so many from Cali and Canada and NY who talk about trying/wanting to build rental portfolios in Chicago because they read cap rates are great on the south side.Here is a Chicagoan wanting to go to Michigan for the same reason.I don't know what/who is telling all these people that the grass is greener somewhere else or that being an out of town landlord is easy, but.....it isn't.

In John Schaubs book " how to build wealth one house at a time" he talks a bit about lease options and so on but no where can I find what is protocol when going this route.

, go to Johnson H's meetups, and just talk shop with all of y'all! 

I could have been looking in the wrong place, but I like the idea of going and talking to someone in person anyway.

I think you are on the right track, but it's going to take more networking and talking to more people about what you want to do.

Aside from that, talk to your significant other about his recent experience and how he went about the deal

I talk about this topic on my podcast show which you can find on my website.

Look at your purchase price rental ratios and talk with other investors in the area. 

What you're talking about is a short sale.  

Talk to the BROKER, particularly since the agent is new.