Just months ago we were trying to get into the game.

What could I or another investor bring to the table that would encourage you to partner with me so that I could be your bird dog and find deals for your cash?

Its a long game though.. and in many instances if its just cash flow you want.. real estate is not always the best thing anyway you may be better plunking down 100 to 200k and buying some subway sandwich franchises make you far more cash flow than any rentals. 

People play all kinds of games- look at the merits of an offer. 

Is there a set of tables you know of (or even created yourself) to figure out the average cost of utilities in your area?

The seller accepted and now the waiting game begins.

I am of the opinion that this may be a good starter property for investment as it would allow someone to get their feet wet and see what the game is like.

That being said, it is ENTIRELY a numbers game, if you can make the numbers work and the deal is good enough it will cash flow.

We should not give the owner’s information without a note signed by him/her stating that we will get compensate at the closing table?

Like any other business, this is a numbers game.