Has anyone had any success contacting the asset manager of a bank to buy an REO property? 

Don't use some unknown entity from another state that no one here knows.I think both of these companies will shoot you straight. 

Try one of the big names, but HIGHLY recommend you ask everyone in the R.E. world if they have a referral, or call some of the smaller LLC companies in the area. 2.

A good friend of mine and I took up an armature landscaping company last summer and I really enjoyed it.

check with your insurance agent.. also federal law dictates that when your owner occupying your 1 to 4 unit you don't have to follow the normal fair housing laws.. you can pick and choose who you want to live in the units .. now some cities or states may have overriding rules regarding this.. but federal law is clear.. on owner occ 1 to 4.. your exempt from fair housing.so you can have a dog and you could restrict dogs for others.there is a well known list of aggressive breeds that insurance companies wont insure.. this is easy information to get.

Today I met with Tim, he is my mentor/partner, he was my old office manager in MA, and he was the one who convinced me to get licensed in Both states. 

@Joseph Davini I'm more in the multifamily space than single-family space, we own and operate a few multifamily properties in Jacksonville but we do manage some single-family rentals as well, so I'll be speaking from that space.

You could add your name to his property, you should be able to contact your favorite title company to assist with that. 

Risk Tolerance: Commercial real estate often involves larger investments and higher risks, but potentially higher rewards.Expertise and Resources: Commercial properties may require more specialized knowledge in leasing, property management, and market analysis.Market Conditions: Local market dynamics, including vacancy rates, rental trends, and economic forecasts, should influence your decision.Ultimately, both commercial and residential real estate can be profitable investments when approached wisely.

 I just interviewed this company and they knocked my socks off!