I use redfin myself (have access to MLS as im an agent as well)Re: Foreclosures - I would say that these deals can take some time to work through and maybe the agent doesn't want to expend that effort.

Figure out what type of properties you'd like to target, then expend all your energy trying to acquire those properties, renovating them, putting them back on the market as quickly as possible, then repeat.

I would like to expend my portfolio by two additional 2-4 unit properties in the next year or two.

When these dogs don't get the required exercise they expend their extra energy elsewhere (carpets, doors, floors, baseboards, landscaping...)Oh yeah and if you have any sort of grass or landscaping just be prepared for it to look a lot different after a year or so, maybe less.

I prefer to stay involved with the seller, however, as shepherding the property through closing often requires some effort that the rehabber will not want to expend.

I don't have a ton of expendable income.

In addition, Real Estate Investing game is certainly not as easy as many make it out to be, we just listed our last project, which was 10 mins away from my house, and I can tell you — I've expended emotional, financial, and sometimes physical outputs all through the game.

Because they work a job/career that doesn't pay well and they don't have expendable income to invest.How do you solve that problem and not be stuck in their shoes?  

Its a mistake to compare with bigger or more luxurious houses to get your comps. or to try to over expend in things your market will not absorb Try to think like the bank will do when analyzing the loan of your future buyers, if your house is above the recent sales they will not approve it easily, the smother the loan process goes for your future buyer the faster you will close and get paid best regardsNereo Mendoza   

Hoping you keep expending and increase cash flow in the future.