Airborne sound is likely conveyed via the heating duct system.

Yank the drywall above, but be careful not to cut the lap on the waterproofing when you do.

I was thinking of outsourcing this process via elance or a similar company. 

PS: I Googled SW Minneapolis and the boundaries of what I see isn't as large as I thought.

we do help a oversea clients to manage couple of his investment properties. however, this deal was referred via a friend.On the opposite of the equation, how would you go find the right people to manage your properties?

It looks like your primary method of communication is via your website, so promote that.  

I have used a realtor to purchase the other two properties via the MLS, but this is not even a listed property and I am interested in pursuing this one myself.  2).

No agent just for sale by owner via Craigslist. 

Hello, I am curious if anyone has any thoughts on using equity from primary residence via HECM instead of HELOC for procuring investment properties.  

I setup quicken rental property manager to download transactions from the bank via online account info on a periodic basis directly into the software so no or very little manual input of transactions is needed (quickbooks does this auto download as well I believe).