Once you get an accurate mortgage quote, you can plug that rate into calculators to get an idea of payment.

I have no idea how to maneuver through excel, yet along knowing what info I need for cold calling.

You're not listening to the right podcasts if you have no idea how to find a buyer....check out the WholesalingInc podcast and also look at Max Maxwell on youtube.  

Do you think it makes sense for me to get approved so I have an idea of the interest rate and what percentage down would be required if i intend to buy in the next 6 months or so?

With that said, perhaps there are some BPers out there who have other ideas for what you are trying to achieve with a different type of loan product.Hancock-Whitney (or whatever they are calling themselves nowadays) will do an 80-90% LTV HELOC. 

@Eric WilsonGreat (similar) idea.

:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/549...If you have any questions, i'd be happy to chat with you and bounce ideas off each otherTae

If she wants to give money as a gift that’s fine, just do it below the gift exclusion for tax purposes, but taking a loan is probably a bad idea

You can sometimes get an idea by looking at tax account as it will show mortgage but not always. 

An idea is planning an event for any employees interested to meet about buying real estate.