The first property that I bought was from the state highway department, and both the first and second property that I bought were from word of mouth. 

I've gotten some new tenants from word of mouth, when other students hear from friends that a unit will become available.  

are you happier owning the Porsche rather than owning 2 or 3 more doors?

For all that, I will NOT get compensated other than hopefully with a happier tenant whose utility bill will probably decrease a good bit.  

I couldn't be happier, using zero money!!

You can find them via word of mouth.

Does it happen often where a capital provider says they will invest, but when a deal comes along they don't put their money where their mouth is?

We found 3 of the Flips just mentioned pre-market by word-of-mouth & still paid a little too much, but the last purchase/sale made up for that. 

It's a little bit harder to take the food out of peoples mouths once they are already eating it as opposed to not giving it to them for free.

I will be doing some 'word of mouth' advertising with peers that are either in the market for a new home or have friends about to purchase a new home (most of my friends want turn key properties).