Third person says he has not been able to get in touch with them either.

you might be able to get some info at city hall or talking to other investors who have done it. one thing I might consider is getting in touch with investors who are currently renting out lofts and see if you can arrange some kind of meeting/lunch with them, if you make it worth their while, or are willing to help them or work with them or something, maybe even pay a fee for their advice/consulting, it might be worth a try. or if you can find someone who knows someone who will help you out, or just be able to show up somewhere and ask random questions if the opportunity arises. e.g. you could show up at open houses of lofts for rent if the owners show up there. check Now magazine listings etc. let me know if/when you have success with this, it sounds interesting.

I might give the extinguisher (it's safety related and cheap), and offer to have the "annual" cleaning done - maybe do some touch-ups or cheap cosmetic items at the time.

If you need a more personal touch with a local individual, I'd recommend @Natalie Kolodij to you.  

The easiest DIY solution (that I think would look decent) would be to get some (gel) wood stain in the closest color you can find to touch up the scratches then remove the handles and do two coats of (satin finish) polyshades in a color slightly darker than the doors are now (probably bombay mahogany).

There is something going on with the final touches.

TOP 3: *Being consistent-constantly making calls, driving for $$, replacing and putting out bandit signs, and staying in touch with my mentor.

It helps if I don't touch.). set up for real estate investing involving both rentals and fix n flips.

Keep in Touch.

I found a great property from fannie mae and got it under contract for 38K.The selling realtor is frustrating at best to deal with.We are at the inspection part and I guess I am responsible for turning on utilities and making any repairs necessary to close as it is an “as is” property.Not a huge deal right now, and will know more, and expenses, when I go this weekend.Throughout all this, over the course of about 6 months I have looked at as many properties that I could.I have made offers like crazy, and have had a multitude of deals fall through.I say probably for the best, and has been a great learning experience.I have tried owner financing deals, half owner financing half conventional, commercial apartment buildings.Pretty much anything that seems like it would be a good deal I have gone after.I have wrote letters, contacted absentee owners, tracked down properties in distress, MLS listings and pretty much anything else besides sending out cold letters.In summery I have a property I live in that I cannot touch the equity in until the oil contamination is cleaned up, a lot of failed attempts to purchase more property, and a house under contract that I may, probably have to, put some money in in order to close.I have felt more uncomfortable doing real estate than anything else and I love it.It has been great!