My preference is to simply pay out of pocket.

Preferably in the Chicago-land area but will consider out of state also.Thanks!

I prefer my paper application just to get more information.

I need to refinance preferably before the end of this month.

I am and would also be open to building a business partnership with like minded individuals as well.

I would prefer something west of the Mississippi though, never been too interested in the East Coast.A colleague of mine moved to the mountains from Florida. 

My personal preference is to find a market as close to home as possible.

Build multiple listings for individual units and also combined units and link them with software.

Use conventional financing to buy each 4-plex individually, but close them simultaneously.It is likely that the owner doesn't care what kind of financing you get, but their loan might be a tied loan, so untying them becomes more complicated. 

I have looked on Costar for individuals who have done 1031 Exchanges, peeped at alternative websites who act as either a brokerage or glorified listing service, called into my local networks, sifted through hedge fund managers, etc.