So I find that when I evaluate properties according to the BiggerPockets method, including CapEx monthly, including 5% of gross rents for repairs and maintanence, including 10% for property managers, etc, NO property passes any test.  1% rule, 50% rule, or even being positive cash flow.  

Dave Ramsay is a brilliant guy, but contrary to Dave's way of thinking, all debt is not bad. 

I've been pretty good about doing most analysis and communication by email up until a property seems viable enough to walk, but hadn't thought of tracking my computer time to hyper analyze hours spent....probably have burned quite a few figuring out the methods of data collection and analysis.

Well, direct mail and bandit signs both cost MONEY; whereas cold calling is free of expense other than TIME... and if you are targeting the right persons to call, it should not be too long before you stumble across a deal that then gives you some money to add other methods.

I have been trying several different methods of acquiring properties in Myrtle Beach, SC but nothing is really bringing in deals at a consistent pace.

I remember Robert Leonard saying that he uses that method to access the equity for additional funds to renovate a property.Jeff V

We are extremely conservative so we are targeting bread and butter three bed two bath 1,400- 2,000 sq ft houses or multi family that can be flipped to a house hacker or first time home owner.How We are using several methods to unearth deals.Scouring the MLS - searching based on criteria and then sale price compared toWebsites and digital advertising (Facebook and AdWords)Direct mail - Acquired lists from List Source (not happy with them) and have been sending postcards to older owners that own SF that meet our criteria.

Another acceptable method, at the discretion of the Landlord is for A Family Member to lease the property in their name, and be responsible for the rent.

No point of going traditional rental when you can use the Airbnb/corporate method to live for free.

I've researched the various protest methods and concluded there's a signficant gap between what the county valued my property at and what I valued it at using the income method.