I personally recommend getting good access to MLS as well.

Hello, I am a wholesaler in northern nj that has access to MLS and other connections as well.

I have access to some off-market opportunities, REO's, as well as traditional MLS deals (where good buys still pop up). 

It's best to find a broker or loan officer that has access to lenders that follow Fannie and Freddie guidelines.

I may have access to a private money lender, but the individual I have in mind may not be able to front the full portfolio.

Search for other local wholesalers on BP and throw them a kickback for access to their buyers list.

, close access to National Parks, golf, fishing, rivers/lakes, bicycles, canoes, boats...et al?  

Though the city needs a lot of work in terms of crime and school, there aren't too many small/mid size cities with the arts, food, nightlife, access to suburbs, lakes, wine region, etc. that Rochester has while having extremely low taxes. 

The first step would find an Investor Friendly Realtor assuming you do not have access, to the MLS.

Mentor would drive us to show my clients homes using his MLS access and SUPRA access to enter and view properties, and guide us through submitting an offer.