@Ella Marie, I can't speak on behalf of your market, but in my respective market, competition is tough, and the successful fix-and-flip vendors are often full-time operating businesses.

Todays market vs a different market will also impact your buy box. 

I hear there's a recent case in Federal Court where an investor was found NOT GUILTY of violating anti spam laws because his text was asking to BUY a property, which isn't sales (which is what marketing is). 

I have a friend/neighbor that wants to sell me his house below market value so he can move back into an apartment and travel.

This is such an easy way to stand out against the competition in your market.

Quote from @Lee Banks: Hi my name is Lee I'm looking too buy my first rental property and but I feel as if I need a mentor to watch, I still need to learn the basics of real-estate does anyone in New York do programs or mentorships and where would you start if you first started real-estate today  Hello Lee,I'd recommend looking up local meetups here on BP, meetup.com and, eventbrite.You can also call around to speak with RE investors and professionals in your target market to begin making connections.With so much available information online, I'd recommend speaking to a few people and doing independent research before committing to mentorships.

What's your criteria for the market you're interested in? 

I furnish about 80% of my properties off of facebook market place and places like that. 

I have a small team but work 3 different markets.

In Cleveland you can find below market rental ready duplexes that require minor repairs (keep in mind that discounted properties come with their own challenges).