So far, the lots I have picked are much higher priced than what would be acceptable in the program - still hunting!

Try using the BiggerPockets "Market finder" and see where that brings you and then just talk with agents in the market you pick and narrow down these options by relying on market local contacts to guide you.

Nothing like cherry picking dates. 

And you are picking a location that totally disables the #1 reason why you should buy real estate.If your first deal goes bad, there will never be a second one.

If you pick up a few properties now, it will be MUCH easier to buy more sooner than later down the road.

Pick a good contractor and then manage them well! 

The very next day we tried to pick up a squabble about "who do you think my people are" and "why do they need criminal check etc".

@Sean MacDonaldI think you summed it up in your observation of your clients, it's very typical here in the valley that the number of transactions will decline right before an election and then those buyers just like your clients will get back in and the number of transactions will pick back up in the months following the election.

Quote from @James Kerson: Well, boys, either you’ll never hear of me, or you can buy me a beer sometime when you do - though if and when you do, I’ll pick up the check.Now that's a deal 🙂👍  

Picks up again around March.3) What are current DOM Trends?