However I have had to replace some major appliances recently which had put my in the defecate and added to my motivation to sell (Hot water heater, two refrigerates and a washer/dryer).

.- Focus on Motivated SellersDon’t waste time chasing deals that don’t fit.

Lead Shirpa is a great skip tracing service Yes you can target motivated sellers.We just made 43k from a Post card inquiry.

A motivated nosey neighbor might try to make an appt to see the property, but in general that doesn't happen too often and agents don't want to waste their time with time-wasters like that.

It sounds like you've got some motivated and cooperative sellers. 

It's a great motivator.

That may not be your motive right now. 

Has anyone had good success wholesaling out of the Dfw area and what tactic worked best for you on finding motivated sellers?

You should take advice from experienced people here who have not motivation to lie to you.

Better yet, accept the fact that there are always going to be the poor, and a good number of these people - especially in class-movable societies like the US - are going to be there because they aren't motivated enough to do anything further.