They also probably know the handful of buyers they will go to when they find a deal. 

lots can go into this somewhat simple question and most of it is personal preference.- you'll want to define "best", and what that looks like for you as a success.- How much money do you have to spend?

If you come with cash in hand, almost anybody will partner with you.

Find me a simple cosmetic rehab that will take about 3 months and I'm happy!

I’ve personally gutted and rehabbed three of my own houses, and for the last three years, I’ve been hands-on managing my own rental properties.

Today, adjustable-rate borrowers qualify based on their ability to cover a higher monthly payment, not just the initial lower payment.”In simple terms, banks used to give loans without checking to see if buyers could afford them.

So many strategies available to you to start out with, a big part of it depends on if you are looking to be hands on or continuing to pursue other opportunities at the same time. 

Is it as simple as driving around and figuring it out?  

I actually had come across your post below in the Events forum and thought to myself it would have been nice to attend that to see first hand a local flip and talk shop about the process.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/1215682-chec...I am happy to hear that someone with your experience in the region feels that Westchester is a market with some potential.

You need to have some capital on hand in case anything were to happen.