Your best bet is to find someone doing the work in your area and picking his/her brain. 

I've heard of mentees who started cleaning up construction areas on a flip at the end of each work day or picking up supplies at Home Depot and delivering them to the job site.

That leaves a grey area in between, what if you are not swinging a hammer, but just picking up trash in the yard as you walk by?

Last time I was there, the indigineous people would pick the beans. $5 for a 5 gallon bucket full.

a lot of folks in California pick out a property they don't see in person, trust people they don't know to manage it, and then it goes south. 

I picked up another duplex for my personal portfolio that will bring me to 14 doors.

I hope they all turn out great, and the best case scenario is you struggle to pick which one to buy with next because they are all so great!

Hello CA investors,I’d love to pick your brain on deciding between two investment homes for a short-term rental.

But if you were planning to house hack for a long time there then I’d think it would be a better option then renting.Things id be aware of house hacking anywhere near Boston:-Make sure you pick a town with a decent renting pool-Appreciation will be your best friend, not cash flow-Be prepared to spend on renovations always happy to share my experiences or resources if you want to connect! 

If you are just picking up "deals" hoping someone will pay a premium in a struggling market, then it will be tough for anyone to sell. no matter how many lists, emails, or phone calls you make.