@David Torreggiani Dallas and Austin markets here!

I'm an independent agent here in AR and I write a lot of rental property, with ~6 preferred markets and if the properties have some issues, age, claim history etc.

Hello,My wife and I have completed about 30 flips, 25 or so have been from the MLS and the other few have been off-market deals presented to us by wholesalers.

Quote from @Tanner King: Where are the best places or best ways to collect data on specific markets?

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.

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.

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

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. 

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