I've been a housing provider for 8 years and haven't needed to advertise in our local newspaper like others like me have.

People invest in specific markets and they do their best deals when they know the specific market.It does not matter what is taking place nationally when you are checking 100 properties in a specific market.It does not matter what is happening nationally when you do a deal with 30% equity and positive cash flow using the 2% rule.National information is great for headlines in newspapers and for shooting the breeze discussions.

I've been told to find some 3 month old newspapers or something and look for sellers there.

You need to understand what is happening with YOUR property.For marketing, I have always primarily used the local newspaper with the biggest ad section, then a variety of other free sources, including Craigslist which works very well here.

This seem more risky because you could spend the money and time and still have to take a low price.You could always call some of the phone number on "we buy houses" signs or newspaper ads and see what they will give you.

what are all the types you use (bandit signs, bird dogs/ant farm, newspaper add, direct mail, etc)?

I expect the moderators will have a comment.You should Google, this site and the local news papers for RE investor meetings in your area.

Go through your local news papers and send LOI or residential purchase contracts, I prefer LOI's and you will get a lot of calls from Realtors that never seen an LOI before and may say they can not present the offer.

Shortly after that I was invited to be the featured speaker at a local Real Estate Investment Club, I had a half page article published in a local newspaper and I have made a ton of contacts.

He uses basic newspaper ads and bandit signs.What are you wanting from his course?