Sites like Trulia/Zillow for buy and hold properties

[Joe Smith]

Can you realistically expect to find properties on sites like Trulia or Zillow that are a good starting point for making offers?

Obviously, properties aren't going to be *listed* for a price that approaches the 50% rule, but are these sites suitable for identifying properties you might be able to make offers on that may cash flow at the conclusion of a deal?

I'm looking for a few properties to buy and hold, while incorporating the 2% and 50% rules so often referenced on this forum. I'm not looking to start a marketing campaign or mass mailings, nor do I expect to trade my career for REI. Given this info - where should I look?

[Joshua Dorkin]

Joe - The odds of landing a steal of a deal from a website are rather slim, IMO. I'd say that you're better served spending your time networking with other investors and marketing. Your marketing will land you deal opportunities, and your relationships with other investors will as well.

If you're looking to do real estate as a hobby, I'd say your time would be better served investing in the market or in something that is more passive. Far too many of the RE hobbyists get burned because they aren't committed enough to the art and science of running a Real Estate BUSINESS.