Many banks are more willing to do loan mods, workouts, and short pays as opposed to foreclosure, or are selling in bulk to hedge funds who turn them into rentals so the propduct is not hitting the market, thus creating inventory shortages in many areas.

Just a heads up, the properties that match what you have descibed currently hae a shortage of inventory and buyer demand is through the roof.

I am a firm believer that if I find good deals there will be no shortage of buyers looking for such deals.

You will quickly find there is shortage of trade and this has driven the prices up. 

What really got me though was when I opened a letter from my mortgage company saying my payment went up $500 a month due to an escrow shortage from last year.I had had it.

(I run a 501c3 public charity in NY (primarily Putnam, Dutchess and Northern Westchester Counties) where there is a shortage of such rentals.)

Certain industries it’s hard to find qualified candidates so there is a shortage of good applicants ( in certain industries).

So much economic growth, shortage of inventory, and demand through the roof.In regard to strategies, I agree given the factors above flips are very hard to find right now unless you are buying from off market buyers.

That said there's still a massive shortage of homes for sale in general in the Bay which may work in your favor. 

Asheville is a smaller but highly competitive market, and there is a housing shortage currently taking place, with home prices being at all time highs.