I think it's kind of funny that people always talk about doing your own due diligence as I thought that was pretty assumed with any investment, but I guess there are some people who may buy blindly like they do with stocks or whatever.

It wasn't easy going through applicants being that its Atlanta & it's a lot of people applying from other states as well as people that don't reply or want something for nothing.

So I wanted to ask how do new western agents and other people find off market residential/commercial.

There are many people that invest from afar. 

People will always have issue with shared amenities in a short term rental house.

Or is it just that people want to get rid of the house so bad they take whatever option is available.

People really hate STRs.

Yes, I've both done a few 1031s and helped more than a few people as the QI for their own 1031 exchanges over the years. 

For some people they are good with 5 others just can't stop buying real estate. 

You want to work on your finances and savings now and talk with any people who would co-sign and a lender so you can start a runway for the future.