Other motives for the property isn’t just investment, but also to be able to have our own beach vacation rental we can go to once we move.

What is my motivation to self-manage?  

Every once in a while I'll get motivated to search for grants to help me expand my portfolio and add to my cash flow but I've yet to find anything nor have I heard of any success stories.

I plan to make aggressive offers, 20-30% below market value, to appeal to motivated sellers.I've been considering these areas:BeechviewBrooklinePenn HillsTroy Hill & FineviewI'd love to hear your thoughts on these areas and get some more ideas for potential buy-and-hold properties.Thanks!

I would suggest having a conversation first about what interests you the most, being excited about investing goes a long way, I would not just do it just to do it, what will motivate both of you?

The upgrades that HAVE to be made for rentability vs. those that will hopefully increase rental income can definitely influence the response.What are people's expectations?

The seller has a motivation to sell to you at the highest possible  number so you do not simply take their word for the price etc. 

You have been working so hard and are so motivated--- congrats on being so close!

So in other words you can't target motivated sellers, but you  know WHERE they will be when they become motivated.

My thoughts were the same about financial advisors, because you can’t be certain of motives in their advice or their own agendas.