The local govts aren't getting better they're getting worse.

.• Networking & Local Groups:Engaging with local wholesalers and real estate investment associations can also lead to referrals for quality data sources.

You should be able to get this approved by a local bank or credit union pretty easily.

If you owned the local grocery story, you wouldn't apply their grocery bill to their rent payment.

Quote from @Edward Barrett: New investor here trying to stay in my local market (Dayton, OH).Since I've started looking for my first deal I've come across a few section 8 properties that seem to pencil, but I'm a bit loath to jump into that kind of deal.

Be sure to tag your post with the location so local folks can reach out to you. 

It's a local investor meetup that meets on the first Tuesday of every month.

i'd join facebook groups for your local area and figure out where the REI meet ups are.

I am an investor-friendly agent and a local Belleville investor myself.

So, let's try some local real estate meetup groups.