Should I be looking for a lender first to see how much financing I qualify for?

All were pre-qualified by on-site PM's, RE agents & great inside pics (that were a little suspect to say the least). 

I get it; but I can use my same skill set building an investment portfolio and can be compensated directly in line with my execution efforts.

One of the first things you will want to do is to talk to a lender about getting pre-qualified. 

Managing rentals isn't easy, lots of different skills to be good at all at the same time! 

I have qualified for a loan of 150,000. which I can work with, the only problem I am coming up with is the 20% down.

Or in my case, all of 35 than half of 70.In my experience, sophisticated partnerships that do not bring complementary skills to the deal turn into a mess.

Providing you've a good team around you (knowledgeable/reliable/fair Contractor/s and Property Manager/s) and your analysis skills are bada bing, bada boom, then even the "Headache and Uncalculated rehab cost" won't ensue.

Skilled negotiator with high aptitude for developing and executing programs leading to sweeping change.

We come from a background with a whole host of skill sets and would like to build a relationship with other investors.Looking forward to speaking you.