Does anyone have knowledge of the situation or resources to steer us in the right direction?

Any direction on a Brokerage would be greatly appreciated.

The Cole Memo from 2011 indicates that regardless of local laws, the Feds may enforce Federal law but the Cole Memo also outlines the Feds resources are limited and indicates they should be directed towards "illegal" activities that fund organized crime.

The tenants had to pay directly to the previous owner, but I have everyone pay directly to the bank. 

You'll get more accurate advice and answers, and they will probably be more willing to work with you and guide you in the right direction if they have documentation to look at (tax returns, W2s, amounts you paid for each property, taxes, insurance costs, estimated rents and completed values, etc).

These are referred to as absentee owners, a popular target for direct mail campaigns. 

Nvm...going a different direction and don't know how to delete.

Also, if someone can point me in the direction of a thread dealing with purchasing property without an agent. 

im looking for any advice i can get leading up to getting money together and taking steps forward in the right direction

They should be able to direct you to a solid lender.