Hi Anthony-You asked about the best ways to find off-market deals for your in-laws to buy and move into and you are focussed on the Santa Barbara, CA area which I have been to and it is gorgeous.It kind of reminds me of an Ann Arbor on the ocean. :)Anyway, I like your strategy of driving and looking for houses in need of repair and sending handwritten letters and contacting rentals for the reasons you gave.

Ask them if they'd mind sharing their experience with you.. if they'd recommend the area or not, and lastly if they could maybe send you a P/L sheet to see their income, expenses etc.You might run into some hosts that aren't responsive or any help, but it just takes a few people to share insight to get a good idea of the market you're dealing with.

@Jaedon StoutBRRRR Strategy - This works well when buying properties below market value and rehabbing them to increase equity.

Even when we manage to reach a working voicemail,owners often assume we are just another "we buy land" serviceoffering far below market value.Given thesechallenges, we are eager to learn the most effective strategies for locatingpotential sellers and establishing a professional, trustworthy connection thatencourages serious consideration of our offers.Telephone/voicemail is informal, hence casual, hence “we aren’t putting much effort into this.”

I am looking into investing in Findlay Ohio and would like to find an agent to answer some questions about the location, market, and suggestions on places.

Quote from @Allende Hernandez: I guess it all comes down to market and pool of tenants.I disagree.

This will be costly in today's market and interest rates, but might be worth a shot if they can afford to stay.If they don't want to stay and you want the the townhome to rent to someone else and just want to assume the loan, well then she can call the lender and see if the loan is assumable. 

I have gotten two very good clients that way.. this way I dont spend a dime on marketing they come to me :)

GREAT in today's market obviously. 

@Cheng ChuMcKinney is a fantastic market with strong population growth, and it’s a great choice for single-family home (SFH) investments.