As for "what happens to the mortgage,"  they will pay it off at closing with the money you bring to the closing table.  

I'd love some advice on what I could bring to the table to discuss. 

If you go out and find a great deal on a car, then sit down at the table, try an negotiate a good deal and get financing, 1 - your chances are better at getting a good deal if your waving cash and 2 - if you find out you can't get financing not only did you waste your time and the sellers time, BUT someone will quickly be by to buy that vehicle you fell in love with.Opportunity favors the prepared!

I am trying to determine the best strategies to increase my depreciation and lessen the time table.

I'm based in Seattle, and am gearing up to invest in my first property in 2017.I don't have a huge amount of cash to bring to the table, but offer handy work and real estate knowledge.My brother is interested in partnering.

How much money did you leave on the table in 2016? 

The advantage is you are bring significantly less money to the closing table, which allows you to buy multiple properties during the same time period.I would contact a mortgage broker in your area to find out what you can be specifically approved for so you can run the numbers and see what makes sense for you.

However, I do bring some things to the table.

They need to bring SOMETHING to the table other than a 'heartbeat'.  

You need your mail to be on their table or in their mailbox the day they decide to do something about the house.How do you do that?