The sellers would not look at any preemptive offers, but we came in very aggressive on our terms and while we were not the highest offer were chosen based on our terms which were AS-IS with quick close.  

At this point, I have chosen wholesaling to be my first strategy.  

@Bob Malecki - That's exactly my chosen approach.  

Once we know what area of real estate investment that you will be pursuing, it will be easier to point you in the right direction.You posted in the multi-family investing forum, so I'll assume that is your chosen path.With that in mind, spend a TON of time in this forum.

Study everything you can get your hands on in your chosen field.

On the Handymen/Contractor side I do not have any recommendations for the Austin area as I have found it too expensive and have chosen to look outside in neighboring cities. 

About an hour after I get home from showing it to them they email me saying "I forgot to ask but if we were chosen would it be OK if my roommate pay her of the rent for the year up front".

You’ve definitely chosen an excellent place to start making connections  and source information.I reside in Portland now but grew up in Corvallis and attended OSU before transferring to the ‘other school’ to the south.  

Rebo has divorce and probate, which I've chosen not to offer, because I think the data quality is often poor, and more importantly there are better ways to do those businesses then public records filings (obits are available much earlier for example).

That’s great…if that’s the market you want to serve, and you’ve chosen it DELIBERATELY.