I'm pretty neutral on the local market outlook for the next year. 

But if you're willing to take a tiny leap of faith, I think the returns are solid, the diligence and the integrity are there, and the states/markets/submarkets and the asset class are thumbs-up.

You can shop 10 or 20 lenders in a weeks time, find out what products they offer, what rates, what overlays and qualifications they each have for you....

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.

Plus financing in another market.  

I agree.. just look at any large mid west or rust belt metro.. there is a ton of houses avaliable the question though will folks buy in certain neighborhoods where inventory is readily avaliable you can buy existing in many of these markets for far less than new builds.. so to me its really a neighborhood issue  a school issue a crime issue etc etc..

Check The CE Shop first.

Research the area's actual market values.

I have been investing since 2008 and have purchased everything from single families and duplexes, to 250+ unit multifamily, to assisted living, to shopping centers, to industrial and more.

Off market is really just a marketing term.