There are many lenders out there, each with different rules/regs, so before getting too deep into one approach just get the high-level basics understood: most lenders will do 70-75% LTV, debt service coverage ratios are usually in the 1.2-1.3X range, and if you don't qualify on your own get other people involved and take them out to dinner or send them on an all-expenses-paid vacation. 

It locked the door and cranked itself up to 1,000 degrees, cremating the pizza my lovely tenants had planned to have for dinner.

I usually get home around 6pm, have dinner with the family, play with the kid, do bed time and then around 8:30pm my time is mine again. 

That dude owes me a really nice dinner for that info! 

Was planning on making it out tonight, although,  I had a birthday dinner with the family tonight.

even asking me out for dinner to build a business relationship for future deals.

Perhaps you could ask an investor friend in your local area who has done this type of work to give you a hand (once the tear out is complete) and to supervise what you're doing in exchange for dinner/drinks/pizza/etc.

Again, consideration, celebrities have been known to accept "dates", for dinner for example, with the highest bidder at a fund raising event for some worthy cause.

Just good old fashioned dinner, drinks and networking. 

Also, in my market to be competitive the houses need to be furnished (and not with crappy stuff from the side of the road), and you need to at least provide dinners during the week (which presents it's own logistic difficulties and cost difficulties).