You have to just commit to doing the lead generation 5-6 days a week (social posts, door knocking, talk to people you know, talk to people you don't know, host open houses for agents in your office, drive for FSBO's, etc) until you have planted so many "seeds" that they result in business. 

there are so many forum posts on BP from folks who bought a random property in a 'low cost' market and got crushed by deferred maintenance or challenging tenants.i looked at a few of your other posts. 

You don't go through your text messages hoping a random stranger sent you a text coincidentally with the exact solution you need, you don't go to the library, you don't open a newspaper, you don't call your mom or your neighbor.

Will this affect her survivors benefits social security income? 

What I am saying is this:Take 10 random people in foreclosure and ask if they want to sell (not even at a discount... but sell period). 10 out of 10 will say noDo the same with probates, tax liens, etc. etc.The answer will be No.So do you understand what I am saying?

Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

If you need any STR designer recommendations or social accounts for inspiration, feel free to reach out!

buying a random property on Zillow and making light cosmetic upgrades will not cut it in today's market.happy to answer any questions you have.

Also, are there any social media websites with groups that I could network with that highlight investors & wholesalers? 

These syndication educators teach you underwriting, give you lists of brokers, recommend you increase your social media visibility and are provided techniques and tools to raise capital.