Seems like you might need to get creative with this deal.  

Ensure to vet them heavily along with the area and product and do visit the place.

Does anyone have any suggestions on creative financing or general information on getting approved for a second mortgage?

I want to know if they can afford the rent and still meet minimum payments on their other bills.Also check with an attorney or take a Fair Housing class to ensure your rental criteria is non-discriminatory. 

Depending on your financial situation, you can either buy a property for cash, purchase it with private financing (hard money or investors), purchase it with conventional financing, or use some creative financing (seller financing or low-money down loans).  

Discover the real life strategies that smart investors are using in today's market to invest in real estate with creativity!

That way you both gain experience in the business, learn creative ways to find lending, the pitfalls of REI (not like you see on the TV shows) and you can possibly have input on the layout of the property, which could be valuable selling point in the future. 

I was wondering if anyone had experience with them and would be willing to share (*ahem) some strategies.I'm also unclear on what needs to happen after a purchase to clean up the title and ensure there are not other liens... 

There are some areas in CA where I could reach that, even at 30% equity, you just have to be creative.

I'm also experience in direct mail marketing so please feel free to share any good info you gather with me, especially if you hear of something creative or unconventional.