I would invite people to coffee/lunch/beer.

If you're looking for a good investment property, the 1% rule is supposed to be an indicator of that (though its not always accurate). 

Getting approved should not be an issue and down payment if necessary is also available.

Or do you want to be an investor?

I found those videos to be an excellent source of free information.Good luck!

You can buy one of the units in an a complex, then it either has to be an existing condo project or the apartment building needs to be converted into a condo project.

Sounds like they are trying to rush you into making a decision, which could be an indication they want to hide something.

I started several threads years ago, answering most of the questions you listed as well as explaining how I reached retirement in a book that has been referred to in this same thread.If someone has an individual question from your list, please ask me and I will try to answer it.I don't think I've ever answered the question on whether my retirement would be an A, B, C, or D neighborhood.

Start at the county assessor to get their address; they might be an out of town owner.

I'm looking for people on Long Island who are currently in RE who would like to meet up for coffee and chat.