Also, if you can pass along the request, would be great if we can upload photos of properties directly from the app (on our phone) vs only doing this via computer.

Do all that each day or couple times a week and you will find that deals just fall in your lap.  

I know that this should be done via walk-through with a contractor but the purpose for now is to quickly analyze potential deals in front of the computer.  

We may want to raise debt equity via first position mortgage. 

A HELOC should be explored in addition to a cashout, lots of variables here as to what the best route is.I wouldn't put much weight into the neighbors, this is common and as investors we build thicker skin as we go forward via pesky neighbors and tenants. =)I would recommend your plan involve you not paying MI on your new purchase, so coming in with 20% down + would be my advice.

I reached out to @Brandon Hall via his website. 

But I believe per Fannie/Freddie, any property purchased in the last twelve months or so much be documented via CD or what used to be the Settlement Statement. 

In the process I notice "distressed houses" which I knock and leave my flyer, I also take down the address and that night research to see if they have equity in the homes, if they do I then research info on the homeowner, which I will then call/reach out via facebook, email, linkedin to see if they are open to selling. 

Sometimes the marketing says no MI but its baked into the rate, or the seller is paying for it through seller credit or single (one time) premium, or its lender paid (via higher rate).The other way is the borrower just pays it monthly, split premium, or single premium as well.

If you have any legal questions, feel free to connect with me via private message.