Get to know the values in your target areas so when a deal does come up you know that you can buy it for X spend Y and that it would be worth Z.

I still got pretty good deals, but the wholesalers just make it so much easier. 

I do not want to pay any upfront fees and 80% LTV is what I am targeting.

There are several marketplaces for notes and more coming online- Hard to say where the discount would fall without putting it out there- but the more solid the package and the the more in-line with property valuation it is, the easier to market. 

Each job you stretch and learn makes it easier the next time.

3) Is it easier simply to have both parties (private lender and myself go on the contract)? 

Have you considered looking up owners of buildings in your target area on the auditors site and cold calling them?

On the investment level we have seen a huge influx of buyers target the Atlanta market due to low (relative) prices and high (relative) returns.

@Isha  do you have a specific niche that you target or are you just looking to cash a check?

Not to mention the admin cost/burden of setting up/running the LLC(s).Unless you have high net worth or ton of assets what you're seeking can probably be solved with umbrella policy which would be a LOT LOT LOT easier.