Looking for First Deal - Fresno/Clovis, CA

[Justin Yurong]

Hi all. I am currently looking to buy a single-family home under 65k in Fresno/Clovis, CA to use as a rental property. That price range is what I am currently pre-approved for. In 3 months (according to my lender), I would likely be pre-approved for a 110k purchase, as I will have worked at my second job for a year. I'm willing to put up to 20k down. 

It has been very difficult finding a home in that price range that makes sense for me to use as a rental after analyzing the numbers, at least in my area. I've been analyzing several deals every day from the MLS, and haven't had any luck.

Does anyone have any experiences they are willing to share about how they've found deals in a hot market, specifically while working in a low price range? I've considered driving for dollars but don't know how to target specific neighborhoods in my price range. And I'm even considering buying my first property in a market outside of my area. Finding the deal is the part I am struggling with. Any advice would be appreciated.