How much time can you devote to it?

It sounds like you have time to devote to this.

Do a search on Biggerpockets, there's several threads devoted to Private Money / Hard Money loans, etc.

I live in Taunton and would love to devote as much time as I can.

It could be worth specifically devoting the next six months to working extra shifts and even picking up some indeed or craigslist jobs if need be.

If I want the cash back now to put towards another property or I don't have the time to devote to a new tenant, I may opt to flip, but if there is rental demand for the type of property I just purchased, I may be more likely to go that route. 

So the off market opportunities will come as a natural side result (albeit scare) of what you are already doing.The problem comes when you devote an inordinate amount of time doing what an investor should be doing themselves.

Plan is, next year, to devote as much time as I can to this.

My hope is that there is already sewer, water and electricity hookups on site as there is an existing house on the lot, but it may not be enough capacity for 4 separate lots.You are spot on, the exit method is dependant on how much time and money I can devote to this.

Regardless of how much the agent spends or time he devotes to his business, off-market lead sources are worth money.If the agent has real sellers with properties that you want, don't waste time or mental energy on his commission.