As Paul mentioned there is the Eastern Mass REIA in Rockland, and they have a 2nd meeting in Taunton.  

Now if people feel that things could get worse and there is a mass sell off then it could trigger a recession.

Remember, we're operating with a backdrop of ground zero of the real estate foreclosure crisis, where shysters descended in masses to buy up cheap properties for speculation and letting them rot (without paying their property taxes!)

Talk with, learn from and work with those who are already doing it and doing it successfully.In my opinion, buying real estate with no down is purely a gimmick started by those “real estate gurus” on TV selling their packages for thousands of dollars to attract the masses to attend.

For instance: mass transit stop coming very close to the property, large business construction close by (stadium, office or business park, etc.), big corporation committing to the area (Zappos into old downtown Las Vegas, or multiple businesses moving in (see link about Detroit timeline of business activity and their locations)http://www.quickenloans.com/press-room/detroit-timeline/But all it takes is one bad crime to occur on your property and it can become a "worst case" scenario for the owner. 

Do you spend a lot of time tracking potential properties or do you just upload the addresses, send out mass mailings and then focus on properties when the homeowner makes contact?

In my opinion, the problem is land needs to get cheaper if you are going to be able to build a low-cost home for the masses.

I personally wouldn't buy a rental in Mass or any other anti-investor state.Or consider being a hard money lender for flippers.  

Putting out a feckless STR is no different than the masses of flippers who put out horrible products or the wholesaler who ties up property but can get no buyer.

Mass Housing Get the Lead OutLet me know if I can be of any more help.Derreck