I understand I would shop around for a few plumbers and not pick the first one I called but I just feel like all they are going to say is call us when you actually have a property that needs work.

The reason the prices are so cheap is because nobody wants to own property in that area.Another way to price shop in this area would be to look at the gun fire maps - if you want cheap properties just follow the bullets and homicides!

Is this a one-person shop?  

Here is a thought, if you take cash show the income  on your taxes .I carry a umbrella I have seen cons and pros on both .For a small shop umbrella seems to be the right fit.

Start shopping well before your sale and have multiple trusted bird dogs looking for you.4.

No two loans are the same, which is why I would always suggest shopping around lenders, or get yourself a broker. 

I just did that recently for a vacant house not far from me.When I researched the owner I saw she had an insurance office right next to the barber shop I go to.  

More money, but payments following the standard flat monthly rate.I'm shopping as a buyer today (credit union finally got me a letter), but plan to approach a few LLs and PMs on my preferred rentals next week using the tact outlined by @James Carlson a few posts back.

Has any body in the area seen anything that fist this description?

I like brokers because they can shop 30+ companies for the rate that suits your and your property's needs.