Good point @Joe Fairless a few quality connections is a lot more valuable than spamming out your cards.

I am trying to file a Form 3115 to change accounting method on a rental house I sold in 2015 (I only took half the depreciation I was entitled to, and I would now like to claim the rest as a Section 481A adjustment on my Schedule E).  

Maybe we can chat some evening, or meet up the next time I come to town (I'm one of those out of area investors in search of quality and cash flow).  

Knowing your market, rents, tenant expectations of the quality of a unit, etc. and key to being successful.

I understand getting the seller to hold any paper solves all this but I'm looking for methods outside of the traditional.

Galvanizing copper is a chemical impossibility.Projected lifespan of galvanized piping is typically projected at 60 years, but it can be less or more depending on the water quality of the source.Copper is generally projected at 80 years but same caveat.Lifespan of plastic is for all practical purposes, infinite. 

Is paying a title company to do this research the best method?

I'm searching for ideas on ways to buy more properties by coming up with lower down payments faster or dealing with alternate financing methods.

Can I use one of the units for a year as a commuter residence (live there 4 days a week) and quality?

Not all cash flow is created equal ... the $2200/month SFR will tend to be one higher quality tenant, the $3000/month triplex will tend to be 3 lower quality tenants.