I keep my eye on the price as I scroll down the low $/sqft part of the list and when I see something that looks out of place, like a $200k property when everything else is $600k+ then you have a good candidate**- Next I will click on the price at the top to bring the cheapest properties to the top and see if anything looks out of place there.By using these two filter methods, you will pick off homes that are listed either at a good value relative to the size of the house OR you will find the cheaper homes in area.  

In addition to this, I have been keeping a keen eye on the Sheriff Sales in my area.  

I'll keep a closer eye and perhaps offer them a small decrease to incentivize them to stay if the price is out of line next spring.

We've been keeping an eye on things and it now looks and smells like new construction again.  

In general these home require much more renovation than meets the eye.

I'd tell them to invest it for themselves in an index fund if there wasn't any appealing buy and hold properties you had your eye on.I would not force buying a property just because the money is available.

It's reassuring to hear that same message from different sources because I can accept this reality and then do something about it (i.e. push through those tough months with my eye on my long term goals).

It's a good place to keep you eye on. 

Remodeling then units is more about eye candy, just because it appraised for more does not mean it will sell for more, just means it sells quicker than the others.Good luck!

Right now, all I can say, Andrew, is that your and everyone else's insight has been great and a real eye opener on how much we have to learn and also how many options there are.