They tend to be cheaper than banks and easier to deal with.As has been mentioned, websites can be tricky to navigate since you don't know who you are dealing with nor what their intentions are.

I’ve found that C to B-class neighborhoods tend to perform best for Section 8 rentals.

I have a few brand new homes popping out of the ground in Canby Oregon.. msut of Portland proper is very old the new builds tend to be skinnies or expensive . 

Of course, all channels can work.. from seller financing to foreclosures.. but from my 30+ years in real estate, I’ve found focusing on cash flow analysis tends to pay off more reliably.So here’s the big question that might help steer your next steps.. what do you think would make landlording less stressful for you.. a property manager, or maybe a smaller property until you get more comfortable?

For many of us we are above board and tend to think we do the right thing but the number of vultures out there is pretty significant and its really those who this is about. 

Even in challenging times, well-bought properties in strong markets tend to perform over the long haul.Key Questions to Ask YourselfWhat is my investment strategy (flipping, buy-and-hold, short-term rentals, etc.), and does it align with current market conditions?

With regard to the proximity to the beach, I tend to have a beach distance of 15 min or 5 mile rule, whichever is less. 

And frankly we tend to over-improve a little bit, because I don't want to touch a house again in the next decade or two.

A truly "motivated" seller tends to not really care the amount of earnest money and you could also structure your EM due at end of your inspection period.

Stability: Homeowners tend to stay in their homes longer than renters, which can create a more stable environment for families and children.