When you located a member which meats your criteria send them a colleague request. 

However, a couple of them (who obviously didn't know what they were doing - unbeknownst to me at the time) decided to tack on another $10K+ to the price I had given them, which didn't generate any buyers.

Welcome to the world of Real Estate Investing and the many opportunities available to you.You made the first step in connecting on the largest social network specifically for the Real Estate Investing industry.Take the time to explore all the resources available to you.Networking is how to succeed in this space and as such I wanted to give you an open invitation to feel free to reach out to me at any time.I am located in the Northern Nevada market and doing buy and hold, wholesale and fix and flips… Best of luck with your Real Estate Investing Career.

How did you know it was a deal (what signs sent up red flags on the current property manager, what did you look for)? 

I was feeling some red flags with wanting to draw things up without my input.

I've been assuming this is an investor cashing in on equity captured through purchasing in 2009-2011 but leaving meat on the bone for another investor.

I think the data also seems to suggest that point number one of yours - "Spend FAR less than you earn" - is the real driver of wealth for the richest Americans:It still seems to me at this time that preserving, then increasing, your income and investment returns - savings first - is the fastest way for almost everyone to grow their wealth.

Too much red tape and too many hoops to jump through.

That raises a red flag , unless he has a relative or won the lottery , I'd pass and hire a realtor to assist me. 

If there are red flags on your proof of funds and the other agents or sellers don't know who you are, then even though your bid may be slightly higher or very similar they may take the perceived "lower risk" option.