MLS vs. Off Market Deals...

[Lance Nelson]

I'm a newbie real estate investor and have been analyzing properties in Portland, Oregon. I'm having trouble finding anything in a decent neighborhood that cash flows. My goal is to rent out my townhouse and purchase a 2-4 unit multi-family property on an FHA loan. I'm a physical therapist so I don't have all day to search for off market properties, though I have tossed around the idea of becoming an agent. My question is, how many of you bought your first multi-family deal off MLS compared to off-market deals and how did you find those deals? I don't want to buy a property just for the sake of buying a property or buy a property where the numbers only look good because it's a house hack. I have the money for a down payment. Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated.