Driving for dollars is a very time-consuming task and even if you target distress properties that its only one layer of motivation which for us is not the one that triggers our sellers to be motivated.  

Be a mentee under someone in the game, add value to them by being their assistant, or doing a task involved in the deal in exchange for equity.

If any investors, realtors, wholesalers in the Columbus area has been thinking to themselves, "I have a lot of little tasks like touring properties, checking on contractors, following up with potential clients but I can't find the time to do these things".

is it likely that a brand new investor will cash flow by buying in a market they don't know, because someone on the internet told them to, and so they buy the first property they see on Zillow? 

also many HOA dues also pay for some utilities (water, internet, pest). you start adding up all those costs to pay on your own, you may end up paying more than the HOA costs.

Seek for mentors in your area or participate in internet forums to network with seasoned investors.Keep in mind that developing competence takes time, and by demonstrating curiosity at an early age, you've already made great progress.

I have completed this multiple times and hit my goals every time because it forces you to break down your goals into smaller daily tasks. 

You have an important tax decision to make, regarding a §1031 exchange, and you are seeking free advice on the internet.  

Some items entail action from the client but most of it is backend tasks that need done.

this is very tough loan to get and normally happens with friends and family or if you have free and clear property to use as cross collateral.. if you dont have that.then be very careful of fake lenders who will tell you what you want to hear and get you to send money in advance of funding.. internet is full of these types.