Roofing Contractors are typically good at providing a quote on-site or at least within a couple of days of visiting the property, so it's worth taking an extra few days to get some additional quotes.

I'd continue to read the amazing content here on BP but also recommend to attend local REIA's to meet investors; they typically waive the entrance fee your first time around.

There is nothing wrong with that but that is not the typical way to buy investment real estate and you lose the advantage of leverage.

Typically around 35 - 50 attendees.

I typically let those go to voice mail (im dont like being on the phone) so I try and get them as much info as I can in the email that they get. 

I see this confusion often, not typically from agents though."

With rental properties, lenders typically want to evaluate the worthiness of the property first, borrower second. 

CUTE and in good shape 3 BR Cape Cod (aka bungalow to Detroit folk)  I want to paint it a lovely colonial blue with white trim.

Good for the typical resident but will make a less valuable opportunity for investors riding the waves up and down in this market.

Those are typically the agents that have the best reach and relationships at that price point.