Problem is, you have no legal right to enter the property until until after the full amount of the bid is paid, and this risk of 'potential unknowns' makes getting even hard money virtually impossible, no matter how good the deal is.I always allow for an absolute maximum cost total rehab in my figures on any property I bid on (and always check the property externally), and there's still plenty of 'meat on the bone'.

There is some great stuff on here about wholesaling and you can do it virtually if you think your market is to expensive.

I just published a website for my virtual wholesaling venture, and I was wondering if there are any cash buyers in the Chattanooga area that would be willing to work with me on any deals I might have.

Virtual wholesaling in general is difficult.

@Noel John Cabrigas Does you virtual assistant have to use her own phone?

@Julie Meche  one other nugget of advice.. since the US is huge and there are deals in virtually every market. 

Happy to meet you all virtually, and would love to connect with others in the Dallas area.Best,Alex

That's why virtually every experienced landlord will tell you to have a specific set of criteria you are looking for in a tenant and have the discipline to reject anyone who doesn't. 

Wow, to have a 5 year rental lease is virtually unheard of (at least to me).  

On that note, I've turned my attention to wholesaling - virtual and local; just as a way to get my feet wet.