Hi Jon,We are property managers in Bluffton, SC. Our

The can also assess the rental rate and vacancy rate of the area (after you find a property)  If you are waiting for an agent to bring you properties, when they have other clients they are working with and other agents can easily see these listings too, they wont be the good deals.Good deals are found by networking, driving around, scouring the notice of default and foreclosure listings, etc.   

I have been thinking about other options besides condos and I've been scouring the forums recently learning as much as I can!

Without a mentor my next suggestion would be to scour zillow for properties that you can see need work.

Scour those contracts with a fine-tooth comb. 

I have been scouring the forums for a while now and have yet to post.

But don't stop there, scour this site and all it's worth.

Do you do a lot of marketing, or do you just scour MLS and offer what will cash flow?

I love chasing instant equity homes, the relentless back and fourth of offers and counters, scouring the interest for the next GREAT DEAL.

But again, you either need to commit to scouring the planet until you find something or partner with someone/company that's already doing this.As far as market timing goes, just be conservative when you underwrite your deals.