Being new to investing, I was a little surprised how much the cost of money eats into the profit (especially with hard money lenders).  

This method of riding around and searching for signs and leads may not be the most convenient, but it could prove to be beneficial.  

Many a times we are hesitant to post a question, but surprisingly you will find there are lot of ways to answer the question and its always to get to have multiple perspectives.As @Ned Carey says - Just ask the questions and follow up with people, keep in touchAlso would recommend reading How do I find a Mentor?

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned this already: Jump on it!

I used yellow letters which were hand addressed and was surprised at the amount of calls I received.

And not surprisingly, Edina looks to be smack in the middle of it. 

You'll be surprised how easy things get over time to grow that.

Might I suggest "This house available for ripping off at your convenience" ... we try to be as inconspicuous as possible while a rehab is in progress.

I told my realtor and she was surprised, but she asked me to get the violations from the city first.

So I received my weekly mail this morning through that convenient slot in my door and curiosity made me go pick up that envelope and in that formal letterhead I saw the utilities' company's name in bold letters.