are there key players in various regions? 

I think networking is a big key to success.

I then would recommend that you purchases new homes  after you explain to a tax consultant like Dave recommended that best fits your goals.You might benefit from the tax liability by living in one of those homes. 

And considering they aren't actually moving in on the move-in date, should I do the move-in inspection and hand them the keys once they get in to town?

I'm very fond of Excel, like @John Warren, but only for certain things, like evaluation of acquisitions, calculating cost and benefits of different loan structures, and projecting cashflow. 

You can remain conservative and put a high downpayment (35-50%) while still availing the benefits of tax writeoffs through getting financing.

What are the benefits? 

She turned her keys into me the day she moved out.

I was fortunate to find a property with a guest house and that definitely was the key for me to cash flow. 

The location on one of the largest fresh water reservoirs will provides for great long term perspective - water will remain a key ressource for many industries, not only for Foxconn.