Like you say, you want properties that will pay for themselves right now, and understanding the expenses and buying at the right price will enable that.There are threads that talk about creative ways to acquire properties that don't require much cash.

Buy and hold requires more capital upfront and is more of a retirement or cash flow supplement for most people. 

Air BNB.There is so much established competition that enables other to proceed in this manner without pulling money.

And for the most part I've just been trying to contact the owners or trustees of the (possible)properties but usually they have conveniently  posted the email addresses of these plaintiff attorneys which would be an easy and cheap alternative or supplement to reaching out to the owners/heirs.

It's not worth that extra 5-10k a year when you can pick up a rental to supplement it.

Perhaps you wish to supplement your retirement earnings for some future date.

This is the coverage that would supplement any rents you would have lost after a covered loss that prevents your tenants from residing in the home and paying rent while repairs are being made.Water & Sewer Back Up coverage (it’s required by law in Maryland that this coverage is offered on primary homes/condos due to the high number of these types of claims in Baltimore city) is also included up to $5,000 which is really nice given that it is often coverage not made available on commercial rental dwelling policies.

Question: what do you think of flipping to supplement retirement income?

BP has been a great resource for myself and family enabling us to get our first few propertis within the last year.

I find my e-mail fills up fairly quickly if I enable the notice feature, especially if it is a popular blog.