The issue I'm running into with door knocking is that all the distressed properties I find seem to be occupied by renters, and they aren't giving me the time of day.

We aren't in a rush to buy so we told ourselves why not.

The only exception (and I'm sure we agree here, too...) is that even if you aren't in a great financial position, you should still house hack.

Honestly- if you aren't getting inquiries, you are priced too high.

I'm not looking to buy more until cap rates from rents (on properties that aren't more than 20 years old) are higher than CD rates. 

And we aren’t in a sellers market.  

If they aren't actually filed, there is no way to recoup money through the normal mechanisms. 

Now he uses property managers and I would bet dollars to donuts those professionals aren't offering cash for keys.I have 15 years experience managing 400 rentals and I have never offered cash for keys.

Some are, some aren't. 

Fundamentally these two issues aren't connected.1.