As far as I can read your circumstances, that does not seem to apply to your "facebook friend" (buyer bird dog) or your "connection guy" (mucha moula)?  

The property is clearly neglected, however the neighbor told me that the home owner is keeping up with their monthly payments.  

There is no whizbang system, each deal stands on its own, they are hard to duplicate due to the circumstances and the situation a hand, learn to identify the possibilities

There's really no good evidence/link anyone can provide as these are merely speculations - given the long bull market run coupled with "circumstances" they deemed reminiscent of what happened prior to 2009 dip. 

People have life circumstances that require them to make odd choices.

If so, under what circumstances?

I have neglected to provide an update. 

So if you are in an area where it is the norm rather than a neglected old section you should be able to deal fairly well.

If they continue to neglect it or refuse to pay for landscaping, then you can terminate their lease.That's how most of the country operates.

I think networking, particularly as an agent, is super neglected.