Galvanized pipe is likely to be in anything built prior to 1960 (or so the great internet says).

PM company has posted to all internet sites (Zillow, craigslist, facebook, etc.) and have offered ads in the paper for a fee of $85 per ad. 

There are certain times when seeking information on the internet may suffice but most of us will not rely on it when it comes to legal issues and these can also vary by state. 

Congratulations, you have found one of the most valuable free resources on the internet for real estate investors new and old.

Plus many other major corps. .Each time I go there is a new restaurant, or another new development.v  You are over thinking, and reading much to much in the internet .

When he goes out driving around looking at potential rental purchases it would make more sense to have a business so it can be written off (mileage/food, internet, computer, and other expenses) if he is looking to grow rental portfolio but isn't buying an SFR monthly.

One thing I like to say is: Mentors aren't Magicians, they simply act as a guide and as an accountability partner, as most of the technical know-how you need to buy and manage apartments are out there on the internet. 

We think it now takes 2 or 3 houses to get to the American Dream and that the first starter home is the big problem.Habitat is selling the American Dream right off the bat so equity caps trap people in place.Every model we've seen so far wants to feed people fish and trap them in a community.We are trying to create a new model based on freedom to chase the American Dreamand believe that working renters who have fed the Rich Dad Poor Dad millionaire landlordsfor decades deserve to reach for the same American Dreamand believe that all they need is a small starter homewith a bit of free financial education.All the resources and knowledge are availablethanks to the internet and mobile computing.The problem is renters' rights under capitalism.So we want to build small cheap plexes via traditional primary home bank/lender financingwith no hoops and catches, and provide free down payment, credit, income financial education to help :)

Is this the better way to find for sale by owner homes as opposed to finding them on the internet?

There are several sites on the internet which list properties.