Yes I have been on the sidelines since about 2011, and just missing out on too many opportunities!  

Any pointers would be much appreciated as I feel like I’m just losing time twiddling my thumbs on the sidelines.

You can always find better deal but sitting on the sideline to find the "perfect" deal on your first one is a major reason people never get started.

This thread has certainly grown in the few months I've been on the sidelines. 

I could either get it on $40k per year now in a cheaper market or sit on the sidelines for another 3 years before I get in another good rental SFH in San Diego which offers equity, cash-flow and strong rent growth opportunity

I feel the best to do that is by going the TK route which I know many are against but living in a HCOL area, its tough to just on the sideline and wait.

It was a sideline conversation and so it is entirely possible that we just weren't on the same script.

I love the idea of the "appraisal packet".I have been on the side line for 9 months not be able to buy anything because I was waiting for that "perfect BRRRR" which does not seem to exist anymore in my area of interest.

Sometimes staying on the sidelines is better than buying a bad deal. 

Use a burner number, Google Voice, or Sideline number so it can't be traced back to you.