I've seen that a lot of lenders aren't well versed on the guidelines for investors.

They aren’t expensive and can be quite handy at finding some hidden electric issues.

Check with your insurance carrier as some breeds aren’t covered or require additional liability coverage.

Well these aren't exactly REOs since they didn't foreclose on them. 

Advertise 1) everyplace you would for any rental 2) fill out the available housing form your local Housing Authority has to put it on the list they distribute and 3) add it to affordablehousing.com.  

They aren't going to touch again this until they are sued, and even then it's not internal people who will handle it.  

Open up the first two pages worth of websites, sent a email enquiry or call the firm, and it’s either “we aren’t taking on new clients” or “yes I can set you up with a $2k retainer to review the bill and other associated codes”.

New investors who aren't funded well (and some who are) usually think off-market or foreclosures because they are cheaper, but they come with no vetting and require cash in almost all markets right now so are not good first-time investments.

@Jay Thomas - There aren't a ton of banks that do construction/renovation loans that won't require 25-30% down of acquisition + construction. 

From the sounds of it, you aren't giving yourself enough credit!