You can access Realtor.com for active listings, scour Craigslist, For Sale By Owner sites, etc. and start putting out offers.  

I'm looking to buy my first property within the next year, however scouring Redfin I've noticed that SF homes in this area look very difficult to cashflow, when you consider your monthly mortgage payment vs. how much you could realistically expect to collect from renting out the other 2-3 rooms.

Hey BP,I have scoured the internet and have not found much in the discussion of books recommended for the real estate agent profession.I see "Millionaire Real Estate Agent" by Gary Keller thrown out a lot -- which is good for strategizing one's business -- but I'm looking for books that layout Real Estate Agent 101-level information.

I'm looking to see if anyone knows of the automated services that will send out these mailers, because I don't have the time to scour the MLS to look for new listings.

First scour the forums and blogs here, this is the best online resource for REI.

- Knowing inventory is low and should I go the 203k route does it make sense to connect with a wholesaler or scour the MLS?

I would scour Craiglist and look at their rental section and see what property managements are offering.

I encourage you to connect with your local real estate investors (REI) groups and find out who wants deals and what kind of deals.See if you can find a local mentor and if not use US on BP as your long distance mentors.Do some driving for dollars, scoure FB, and CL, Zillow and any other source of finding properties for saleGet them under contract and sell the deal to someone you met in step 1 or on BP.REPEAT!!

First as newbie, I have to say I am still blown away and so very grateful for biggerpockets and the endless insight and valuable information I have learned in my few months of scouring the forums/content.  

To be honest, I just don't like inconveniencing another human being by having them scour the city with me just to see if any given property might be a good fit.