There is a process to picking the market to work in and buying for both cash flow and appreciation (many people think the midwest or south is only for cash flow - not true). 

Success hinges on one's ability to craft exceptional guest experiences, market properties, and implement systems for cleanliness and customer service.Despite the skepticism surrounding "course gurus," I would suggest considering a reputable course, particularly if pursuing the arbitrage route.

I still pick up change off of the ground. 

Each one typically adds $1,000 per month to my cash flow so after 5 properties, things start to pick up pretty quickly.

It is inexpensive and you would easily make the money back by picking up more clients. 

You have a good idea BUT here in New York you have very slim pickings. 

You'll pick up plenty of other tips along the way, but those should get you started.

I'd love to pick up more properties in the area.

I decided fine, I was just going to wallow for the next couple weeks, aided by fact everything was people running around in total panic and freaking out as well, every way a person turned it was nothing but doom and gloom, as if I needed to jsut pick out a nice spot, dig my plot and lay down for final life retirement.   

Here's how I do my due diligence:1) Portfolio matching: (takes 30 seconds per deal)a) Have an educated opinion on where I think we are in the real estate cycles (financial and physical market cycles)b) Then and only then do I pick the strategies, capital stack, and specialized asset subclasses that make sense for that opinion.