I tend to be partial to REIA events, which have chapters in most larger cities/markets.

Henry Washington from BP on the market podcast operates here.

My main job is running my investment holding company, so I'm familiar with public and private market investments but new to RE. 

We appreciate you giving us the opportunity to review your property.Best regards,"I replied back asking for more specifics, wondering if it is the Milwaukee market, the Wisconsin market, the multi-family market, or the property itself, and I got crickets....At the very least, I should get better customer service explaining why.

You will likely need to find something off market.

Higher DemandThe rental market is shifting.

I would recommend joining local facebook groups of hosts (if they exist) for markets you are trying to get in to. 

Its also a great way to increase values in a market since newer homes sales offer higher sale prices.

Even if you get a great deal that is 20% below market, appraisers will typically be anchored by the last sale price and you may be stuck not being able to pull out as much cash as you need to pay off the HELOC.

@Linda PhamAll our midterm rentals are in Colorado as are our clients, so I don't know Houston's market.