How do I influence them to adopt the business mindset?

Since you are there, your manager should have less to do, if you're good at influencing others and property inspection matters, you should be paying a bit less too.Otherwise, you will not be living harmoniously, I'm pretty sure of that. :) 

Because NPN's have a workable time variable we can plug them in as needed to boost the targeted return.

Read what me and my buddies have read "how to win friends & influence others". 

Understand what influences the market and property values, start evaluating from the city then drill down to areas, then subdivisions then to a specific property.No, valuation sites are not accurate enough to base your investment decision on

Its apparent that this area is having tremendous growth right now and there have already been several more approved projects to boost up the property values in the coming years. 

These areas are well serviced by trains and are getting a big boost from a steadily growing NYC. 

The market is heavy with medical training, some influences from the Bakken oil fields although as that is coming to an end my area might be a place where people flock to afterwords.

If you put 2 marbles or just a pencil or even two small dice in the envelope, when the seller feels the envelope it will certainly stand out and boost curiosity.  

Should I try to influence them?