A crooked seller could abuse the process, too, by not disclosing defects that he knows will be uncovered by the buyer, knowing full well the buyer will probably cancel the contract once the inspection items are discovered, yet the seller gets to keep the option money.

Your initial mailing may uncover a few leads, however, you will get more leads with time as long as you continue to target and mail that same list of leads on a consistent basis.  

Just in the few days I have been here, I have received advice that otherwise would've probably taken me a month of hard research to uncover.

One fact that you uncover, example, the gasoline manufacturing plant next door, the rental properties that surround your property, etc.  

Doesn't mean you can't get a good deal but you probably won't be able to uncover the Seller's true motivation without a lot of work. 

To answer above the area is a blend of college students/graduates and people in roommate situations and there are less families that tend to come through the area.

Just make a note of what everyone else is wearing and try to blend in.

Hopefully I will uncover my first deal soon.

If not, refi cash out of your primary OR some blend of HELOC and cash.  

Is that like a blended interest rate but with rocket science and brain surgery?