I felt those houses would make good comps since they are all on the same street and look pretty much identical to one another.

You probably need some pricing adjustment there. 

Explain you're just keeping rent inline with the market and adjusting for any increases in tax, upkeep, whatever.

Monthly rents x 12 = Gross income x .95(vacancy factor)= Adjusted gross income x 50% =NOI / cap rate = Purchase price.

1) lead generation2) how to adjust your business as the market adjusts3) your net worth is proportional to your network

In all of these cases, you will have the initial step-up basis as your acquisition cost, as if you bought it at this price.All tax consequences are also the same as if you bought it for its value at the time of inheritance.Example:parents bought it years ago for $100kwhen Mom passed away, it was worth $300kyou add $50k in upgradesyou then sell it for $375kyour step-up basis is $300kyour adjusted basis at sale is $350kyour taxable capital gain is $25k (minus commissions and other selling costs)

If I can share the W9s and my identity over email/video call, that would be great.Any thoughts?

A few other positive things:If you have a home office it creates authenticity with the IRS and can diminish potential push-back you could get by claiming the deduction.Using an EIN helps prevent identity theft - stealing an EIN happens, but isn't as common. 

Make adjustments based on how nice your place is relative to theirs, the amenities you have compared to theirs, etc. 

For example, ”Section B3-3.2.2, Documentation Requirements for a Business” in the selling guide includes the following:“Borrower’s Proportionate Share of Income or LossThe borrower’s proportionate share of income or loss is based on the borrower’s partnership percentage of Ending Capital in the business as shown on IRS Form 1065, Schedule K-1.The lender can only consider the borrower’s proportionate share of the business income or loss after making the adjustments to the business cash flow analysis discussed below...”