Some investors thrive in these situations, while others prefer clearer paths to ROI.Before proceeding, consult with a real estate attorney and conduct a title search to uncover any surprises.

Our strategy is to buy out of shape properties and rehab them back into shape, so a GC with experience in doing extensive renovations at once would be preferred.

I think the thing you have going for you is your religion; you have to know some other folks of your faith and where you can find like-minded individuals.

I would prefer to have control over my own property.

As far as benefit to the seller goes, @Matthew Paul I think you are probably right on the money and regardless of whether they would have preferred to stay in this house rather than move, it is likely providing them some excellent cash flow; and I'd be hard-pressed to come up with a deal that serves both parties better than the current situation. 

I prefer markets that experience mild winters to eliminate the added costs brutal winters can bring. 

Loan officers with 25 years of experience typically are more experienced, and have less time per file, because they have an abundance of files.Loan officers with 25 months of experience typically are less experienced, but have more time to devote to you.I can't write my own loans, so when I'm getting a loan I prefer working with less busy people when I'm doing my own real estate investment, they're more responsive and dedicated it feels like.

Engage an investor-focused realtor/broker in your preferred market (this is not a residential realtor) and start 'tire kicking' the market and properties that fit your criteria.

Free events or groups are preferred, as I feel the connections made are more genuine, but I am open to anything. 

A wealthy individual, a group of wealthy individuals, or a hedge fund is lending money, private money to strangers for the purposes of buying distressed, fixing the asset up, and either exiting through sale or refi.Just keep in mind t he relationship between maturity and interest rate.