But the players in this one are insane (for my purposes).  

Setting up keywords can help you track down some of the active players in your target areas.

They are a well respected player in this industry so no need to worry.

Don't hate the player, hate game, though, right?

There's a neighborhood in my city that the local and regional players have been trying to push as the next "hot spot" for artists and young professionals for a few years.

Attention BP Members, last minute put together chat in the chat room www.biggerpockets.com/chat/3 major players here to answer any questions you may have.

Is anyone aware of other players in this market (i.e. are Colony Capital or other big VC/hedge funds getting into this)?

Let's look at finding deals . . . . . . . for single and  multifamily1)  Track listings on MLS (being your own agent is helpful so you can act fast, but not for everyone)2) For multi family, I would also watch LoopNet or Costar3) get on a lot of wholesalers list and sift through the junk to find the gem 4) Attend local REIA meetings and get to know the players and let them get to know you, they might have a pocket listing.5) Direct mail potential sellers in areas you want to buy -  - code violation lists (I send about 1000 pieces of mail a month)- probate (or even obit records for all deceased owners of property) - look for deceased owners of duplexes and send letters- direct mail probate attorneys who might have families dealing with rental properties- direct mail nursing homes - caseworkers who help families transition- farm specific areas where you want to buy and direct mail the absentee owners.- know of a group of properties you would really like, keep telling the owners of your desire to buy and when they sell, they will call you first (most good duplexes sell this way to friends or contacts that connected with the owner) they don't often get listed for sale, they sell to family or friends.

Better to go to one first...see the players...see the prices...see the system...before you bid the first time.  

Very clever @Myka Artis and I bet there aren't too many players in the game either.