I think you might be better off positioning yourself such that the goods/services you offer are visible to those that might be in need of those goods and services, that way they call you. 

I have never owned or dealt with real estate during the 2008 crash.My question is: Will the lending institutions close their doors on all lending programs or most lending programs during such a time and make it difficult for me to re-position the property (even if the deal was looking great from a lending perspective)?

Of course, you need to be in a position to buy a replacement property in order to make it work.

Some tenants would be late on the water bill for a couple month and receive shutoff notice and one of them is 3 month late now and I still don't see shut off notice when I check online.

I would focus on building my cash position, and perhaps working for another investor part time.  

Unless they're funding the whole acquisition, they'll never get first lien position over the big mortgagee.

I noticed you are from WA as well.

Mutually we decided we were not a good match and let them out of their lease with one month notice but they tried to give 3 week notice with excuse we wanted them gone and the place they found was available then and new LL wanted them to move in as soon as it was ready.  

Way to stay positive!

Recently I've tried sending a certified letter (containing all my contact info and a request for contact) with return receipt, but USPS reports they were unable to deliver it  - Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available)There is nothing particularly wrong, and she's completely current with rent based on auto-payments.I feel uncomfortable not being able to reach her.