Every check you write or deposit gives out that information to perfect strangers.  

I've always felt awkward about talking to friends and even strangers about my past businesses.

If you're looking to have them out, gear up for filing the eviction, plain and simple, as you're right about the likelihood of them staying over term.That said, unless your lease says something explicitly about showing the unit while they occupy it AND (my personal opinion) you've gone over that eventuality with the tenants and they've said that would be OK, I understand them being uncomfortable with strangers walking through their home.

How do you find strangers willing to partner with you?  

Always get everything in writing in DETAIL (no matter who you are dealing family, friends,referral strangers, ect.)2.

Also get in the habit of talking to people you know and even strangers, tell them your looking to buy homes that are distressed and in need of repair you never know what can come of it.There are a number of great ways to find a deal and no one way is better then the other as some are very market specific.

Account Closed I think this post does a disservice to any new agent reading it, because it will keep them from taking action right now with what they have available.All you need to start is your 2 legs, and some flyers that can be printed by a title company or lender, the ability to face fears, and the willingness to put in a lot of work every day knocking on doors to introduce yourself and talk to as many strangers as possible. 

I believe this is a superior strategy and what tends to separate the professional investors from the amateur newbie wannabe investors ... it is important in any market, but getting back to the OP's original topic, it simply is not practically possible/probable to pull this type of strategy off as a novice investor going out of state to a market you are not familiar with and will be 100% dependent on the kindness of strangers acting in your best financial interest to make or break your investment for you.

Account Closed  You displayed a lot of courage by sharing your life and situations on this forum with total strangers.

Regulations prohibit any sort of advertising or investments by strangers.