You have a good eye!  

Ideally we are looking to purchase these properties, but we are certainly interested in joint-venturing or providing cleanup work for the owners as well if they would not be interested in selling the property.In an effort to help search for these properties, I was hoping to connect with a local real estate broker, who could help keep an eye out for these types of properties, compensated for by a finder's fee % of the profit if a cleanup deal goes through. 

Having your family keep an eye on it is a good idea, but for dealing with the tenants, maintenance, etc., you may be better served with a PM.

There are different nuances to each market , and one tip that I picked up here is while you are saving money for your investments, start driving / visiting areas you would like to invest in so you get a feel for prices, rents , house conditions etc, and visit and look at lots of homes and open houses so your eye get used to looking at repairs / upgrades that are normal in a particular market.

., I've got my eye set on the main line as well, so let me know if you see anything amazing out there that you have to pass on :)

Thank you,James use a quality primer (like Zinser bulls-Eye, 123) then your choice of paint.source: deep brown, deep brick red, some bright orange, blue and indigo, house with dogs...

From memory, that's HUD, meaning at least a 7X10, 7+ ceiling over that space (as attics are converted) and a window and closet.Might check on appraisal guidelines, same as HUD, but what is given value for a bedroom may vary in the eye of the appraiser.9X9 is a common small bedroom, but it must have a closet and the window. :)

In the end the seller has to be motivated, I would keep an close eye on the property and keep following up with the broker. 

There is more to it than what you read on websites or meets the eye.

Lesson - always keep your eyes and ears open for potential investors and partners.