If I can set up automatic alerts by subdivision or community names, or block names, that would make it much easier...are there any out there?

Well, It's not easier, but I think it's nicer, therefore smarter.

(can be an easier route than wholesaling) This way you can have some funds and also get a better feel for business.

This would also make it that much easier for me to then refinance the 1st mortgage is saving me even more money.

Don't think there is no competition in small towns.Larger cities will have more people involved in RE, the competition may be more sophisticated, bigger players, more inventory but more feeding off it too.Smaller towns usually have slower turn over, a property that's difficult to sell is easier to buy.

If it's an electric stove, is it clean or has grime accumulated on it?

Smokers and pet owners cause damage, not a cleaning issue.

The couple I am looking to buy from are dwindling down the size of their operation (the wife manages it all and is sick of managing 170ish units by herself, she hates delegating work so she is cleaning and doing to much labor).

Baths are the other question - what are pros/cons of various 3-piece Tub inserts vs cleaning existing tile, other options?

Sometimes, it's much easier to purchase properties because you may not have to jump as many hoops or pluck down quite as much as a bank would require you to.