Danny, sounds like you've got some great goals and even experience so far.Since you mentioned meeting others with similar or more experience I'd recommend a local investor group like RIREIG in RI or Black Diamond REI in southern Mass.Both are good groups that are education oriented (don't try to sell you stuff) and have members with a wide range of experience who may be able to help you reach your next goals.

I feel this is a diamond in the rough.

This is a diamond property in a up and coming neighborhood and will only increase down the road so it' s not as easy as walk away.

We just had Inessa Shur speak at Black Diamond about exactly this topic, among others. 

fyi...my current focus right now is driving for dollars, preforclosure door knocking and craigslist, just scouring for leads and distressed properties. i have a growing list of vacants and a meeting with the TLO rep on monday, i need a good "cheaper" way to skip trace, one of these coals will be a diamond or a nugget of gold in an acre. 

@Adam Diamond Thanks for your reply.

I'm also scheduling visits to some of these properties so that I can get a better sense of values and rents which will help me to recognize the diamond in the rough.

Based on your experience, what is the best way to find these "diamonds in the rough" so to speak? 

However, from personal experience, it is not easy to win a bid on that site - unless you happen to find a diamond in rough, or you want to overpay.  

I see creative diamonds in the rough.