However going into what is normally the slow season, I am concerned about occupancy. 

Good luck to all of us = )   Actually I'm a partner with 2 other seasoned note investors and we have our own Reg D equity fund that buys 1st position NPLs and RPLs with a preferred return and profit split to our investors.

Many seasoned investors are willing to share insights, and shadowing someone experienced can fast-track your learning curve.You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the numbers behind successful flips—acquisition costs, renovation budgets, and after-repair value (ARV).

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

I even see seasoned investors enroll in the program because they get more deals faster.

May be due to the current off season.   

So you can imagine someone on their own.. can they scare up a deal sure.. but this is by no means open seasons easy to do.

she started out doing leasing for 1k commissions now she sells one of those big houses she knocks down 30 to 60k on one deal with very little overhead to do it.. the big difference between being a seasoned agent and a wholesaler is wholesaler is only as good as their marketing and their next deal..

I have people that book for multiple weeks during season and I don't blame them for wanting a better feel of the place before shelling out $20K.  

You won't likely see an influx of renters though unless you did a short term rental during the winter season when the outage happens down there.