"If they ask" be prepared to share with them how you will structure the purchase e.g. conventional financing, 1031 exchange, creative financing, etc.

It was precisely the risk factor and the sixth-sense for a good deal I developed that allowed me to prosper.

My approach would be to acquire the lots, clear title and as my exit strategy:1. sell them outright;2. take back paper;3. develop the lot; or4. accumulate a few and exchange them or use them as a down for another parcel. 

If so, then after the HELOC is recorded your co-owner can record a junior deed of trust to the HELOC in exchange for their equity position. 

Could we have a non-equity partner that could occupy the property in exchange for free rent, allowing us to achieve the owner occupied loan? 

There are also approx 50% more Realtors today than in 1985 http://www.realtor.org/membership/historic-reportWhat if the challenge was to exchange contact info or connect with x number of people per day?

Maybe there is something you can bring of value to them when sending in an offer (ie fast close, extending close of escrow to accommodate a 1031 exchange etc).  

I would imagine that if you put tons of money and time into lead generation you could dole out the leads to other agents working in your brokerage in exchange for a % of the commission.There are always agents around the brokerage who will be looking for leads.

Unless I made a killing and I can 1031 exchange it into another slam dunk. 

Tenants are more willing to accept older but clean living conditions in exchange for middle market rents that are manageable for their budget.