I'll let others chime in on their experiences, but from a motivational perspective, I think attending live events and getting the "conference high" is something that only happens through in-person connections and being in the same room with investors who are eagerly pursuing their real estate/financial goals. 

Are there any creative ways you’d recommend for me to identify and approach motivated sellers or uncover foreclosures?

These people have been labeled as "motivated sellers."

Kept those agents motivated to answer the friggin phone

In New Jersey, there are numerous brokerages to chose from, and I highly suggest you do a google search and look into 100% virtual real estate brokerages in New Jersey. 

This works best when the seller is motivated and open to flexible terms.4.BRRRR Strategy (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat)– If you find the right undervalued property, you can finance the rehab with short-term funding and then refinance into a long-term loan, pulling most or all of your money back out.5.House Hacking– If you’re open to living in your investment, you can use an FHA loan (as low as 3.5% down)to buy a multi-unit, live in one unit, and rent out the others.

What's your motivation to get into real estate investing? 

That is numerator.

Part of the motivation for congress writing Dodd Frank was to clamp down on the investors offering preditory terms re  rent to own and seller financing and that view has carried into craigslist rent to own adds and you say zillow. 

Motivates tenants to conserve and not waste water.