Real Estate Rewind Starting overhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-bookGood Luck Paul 

During that time I'll get my RE licence and begin raising funds for fix and flips / buy and holds by building a strong traditional wholesaling and wholesaling lease options business.Any advice, referrals,....words of encouragement?...

Also read Brandon Turners book as he describes a lot about money partnerships that may help generate some ideas.

Real Estate Rewind Starting overhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-bookGood Luck Paul 

Obviously a big consideration for the building is the layout and functionality of it for smaller users.

If you have the borrower's SS# and loan #, that may be enough to generate the payoff demand.If the senior lien goes into foreclosure (after the notice of default is filed), I find the foreclosing trustee services to be better (and faster) than the lender at dealing with successors-in-interest.  

Once you have a good feel for the area how do you go about pinning down the areas that you think could potentially generate the most leads or have the best deals?

The older generations did not have computers, cell phones, financial calculators, ...etc, but they had a lot of common practical sense and deeper understanding of life matters.

QuickBooks is very easy and user-friendly, I use it in multiple businesses.

not much, but we update them like it's a flip. that's our downfall and a sore subject. we hope it pays off with longer term tenants and better care of the properties.i used to do the work myself and tackle just about anything, even with a full time job. but with 2 kids that need my attention, i have been trying (successfully) to give the work away. thanks for the encouragement, everyone!