Any tips on targeted marketing, effective lead generation, or even some "outside-the-box" tactics?

Start small, network with other investors, and use tools like BiggerPockets calculators to analyze deals effectively.

They're often high quality and cost-effective.

@Otis Clayton To partner in real estate effectively, establish a clear structure like an LLC for liability protection or a Joint Venture for single projects.

Not too shabby for land appreciation.That said, I’d keep an eye on the Elon Effect down southeast.

@Phillip Austin I self-manage my properties including some where I do rent by room as a primary strategy, and it is very effective if done well with good screening in place.The difference is starting with shorter leases for me. 

The lock-in effect of the period from 2016-2022 when interest rates were super low, causing owners with those low rates to not want to sell? 

They are lawyers so can appeal through the whole process essentially for free.

Also, check to see if your jurisdiction is practicing "Just Cause Eviction", which went into effect statewide earlier this year for municipalities that which to opt in. 

Yep for one especially in the early stages a hard credit pull would not be useful, just have them do soft checks for the time being and opt out of credit solicitation: www.optoutprescreen.com I could be biased... that said typically working with one lender than can help regardless of where you're looking and having a relationship with that will provide the easiest and most cost effective route long term.