In the beginning stages of raising funds for a student housing development project, but am curious to know what are the different methods investors are paid.

One method that i have heard of is working with probate attorneys, another is looking at court records and tracking next of kin.

You opened up a can of worms by asking all the vanilla investors on Bigger Pockets to come and deflate your balloon but understand that there is a market for what you want to do and there are people who do it successfully,Just think of yourself as an acquisition manager but, instead of for one company you are doing it for numerous companies. 

Ultimately I use the method suggested in the forum of valuing it similar to a commercial property because there are many fourplexes that have sold recently in the neighborhood.

I have numerous examples of this, as one student of mine invested $29K with a coaching "elite" program and got a kid in a cubicle.I have a BP blog here - http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/3-reiskills-and...Lot of free stuff there.Worst case scenario, I hope you get your license, learn CO regs, find a great RE broker that teaches (I like Keller Williams), and build a career in real estate.

I am interested in driving for dollars now when I find these properties that fit in my criteria what exactly should i leave at the door should it be a note , a flyer etc. what method will get the homeowners attention to make them call I am also trying to put a system in place that I will use for my business is there any marketing techs that works better than others

Notes are not a catch all or cure all for just any arrangement, an attorney familiar with financial matters should be used to establish your method or arrangement.

There has been some different opinions, but overall, I like Stanley's work and methods.  

Have you utilized any of the traditional methods?

Mark, your methods were undoubtedly learned at significant cost in time, effort and money, -still many here would benefit from your sharing them.