We do live in a small rule area where properties are a little cheaper, but so far it’s been very difficult to find something that seems to pencil out.

The agent will not be paying you/seller/buyer because the agent does not bring money to the seller/buyer in any fashion in a transaction (typical transactions), unless this agent is a partner to that person buying the property, or they are a principal to the property.Let me know if that makes sense. 

I'm in Santa Barbara County which is impossible to make work so I'm forced out of the area.

In solar sales (door to door) the setters typically make about this same range.Most companies in the house flipping world seem to buy lists online or run basic skip traces of areas and send lists to VAs to setup calls with the owner of the company.   

The syndicator has about 20 similar projects in the Los Angeles, Arizona area and Texas.

My problem i is my market is super expensive if I stay in the nyc area and I don’t have the confidence since I don’t have any actual experience to invest out of state do you guys think paying off my mortgage would be more beneficial than looking for more rentals .

I’m definitely looking into areas where it’s always a first pick for expats by default.

Quick question on those who have done seller financing:- Buying a 0.3 acre downtown fort lauderdale multi family, negotiated an around 1M price w lot of development rights, double lot. seller got it way back early 90s for pennies- got good credit 800+, w2 job etc put 40% down and mortgage bank offered 6.62% 30yr fixed (CF negative as this would make current rent roll not too much compared to the PITI)- property is in ok condition, needs 20-30k repairs which seller OKd, and all 3 tenants are month to month, pay bit under market but also ok- seller would like to do seller financing, interest only at 5.75%, 30yr amortization at 7yr balloon (CF would be positive) - id be paying some principal as well, just to grow some equity- buying this deal for the future development of the area (las olas, kushner broward crossing) so not really worried even if we overpay for it now, but never done creative finance as i always relied on a strong W2 job to get good loans but obv im used to 3% 30yr rates from covid times not this 6+ environment..Goal is to hold the property 3-5yrs, and then actually develop it or sell half the land / refinance, pull out HELOC if it appreciates.Questions:1) What does he know that i dont? 

The only way I KNEW it was a good deal is I had been researching two areas for about a year. 

My only tip is to stay on top of the market rents in your area.