Keeping your options open is something that will benefit you no matter what direction you decide to take as a RE investor.What part of MO are you looking?

The benefit is the competition is more class A or B type units.

There is a lot to be said for the benefits of name brand recognition.

One benefit of direct MLS access is the many filters I can use in different combinations in order to find hidden gems.  

Locally, the lender we prefer to use generally charges 12% APR, 2 points at closing, and loans 65% APR.An added benefit of using hard money is that they loan based on their analysis of the deal.

This whole lead thing is a big joke mateF@#%ing politicsNever for the people's benefit and always hidden agenda's

We hope to start in Wholesale,  in order to gain capitol for moving into having 'passive' income through rental properties for a better life and retirement. 

They  sometimes foreclose in order to gain title and possession so that they can temporarily rent the property, though they have to take it to auction just like any other foreclosure.

And it sounds like you have a lot to gain by this deal.

If you can pull public records, MLS records of prior listings, google maps, etc you can gain a bit of knowledge as to the property and neighborhood.