I'm doing this exact thing right now- I've been pleasantly surprised by how many people in my network have resources, cash and interest in something like this. 

@Wilson Vanhook there are a lot of options to pursue:1) Start a blog and post links everywhere2) Use PRD to find out-of-state owners and mail to them3) Network with other agents4) Attend local investor MeetUps, etc5) Etc.

Share what you are looking for and the deals you are working on with your network in person and on social media regularly.2.

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

Once you have ran through about 3 months or so of this and penciled out 50-100 deals for fun, I would talk to a local agent and start the process of looking.

Bigger Pockets is a great place for education and networking and is full of great content.I recommend that you check out the following resources:1.

Nevertheless I am local now and I have that real estate desire (which never went away).

As a Florida Real Estate Attorney and Investor, I have seen investors do their best networking with local groups.

Without that network, self-management would have been nearly impossible for me."

Quote from @Dawn Roy: Great question Austin,I have found the best way is to network with local investor groups.