Most others find seller-financed deals through pulling data on property owners in the areas they want to buy that have a lot of equity in their homes.

Well, that’s definitely something to write home about. :-)You use the word “WE” a lot.

I’d love to hear more about your experiences over the years.We are specifically looking to purchase single-family homes in the $80,000–$150,000 range and are considering renting them through Section 8.

Blankets and quilts people might dry but not wash in your machine (take them somewhere and think they are dry and have to throw them in again when they get home). 

I want to remain local in NJ or at most drive down 1hr to PA (self-manage or, last resort, hire a PM)However, I must also consider maintaining reserves, a safety net for my primary home, and an emergency fund.It's just hard for a new investor now :(

It’s time to look into home owners/rental insurance.

The more they have to loose, the greater the likely-hood they will work to continue to keep the home.

not sure they will do it for mobile homes though.

Well you may have found your new home!

A little history on my investment real estate journey if we can call it that….Back in 2005 my wife and I bought our very first home when we were 24/25, 3 Bed, 1 ½ bath 1500 sqft single family home for $167,000.