Ideally I'd purchase the property for below market value, fix it up, "force" appreciation, and then once I'm able to I'd invest in another property while maintaining the passive income on the 1st one.

It's always a good rule to maintain open communication with team members to avoid wrongful assumptions, plus it provides you feedback (what the realtor can do/not do to help) to see if the person is actually worthy of being on your team.The realtor should also be able to provide you with searches specifically for owner finance properties. 

I am just curious as to how some of you seasoned investors maintain health insurance for yourself and your families? 

In theory they should equal what you would spend on maintainence, insurance, trash, etc.

I see this position being especially attractive in hyper-competitive markets where deals are difficult to come by.But I maintain the abundance mentality is ultimately more fruitful. 

The owner will maintain insurance on the property. 

What is the best choice over the life of the investment...and more importantly, which one brings you less stress to manage and maintain.

Apartments are well maintained, all electric, newer floors and central and in an ideal location for renters.

I'm planning on buying an investment property as soon as 6-9 months and would like to maintain a good relationship with my realtor and his connections.Thanks so much for that advice. 

You open yourself up to a lot of liability as you are responsible (at least in Maryland) for maintaining existing utilities and are then responsible for their payment.