That knocks out a bunch of your ideas, if not all...The rest depends on your investment strategy (and everything that goes with it). 

A storm a month ago or so knocked half a tree down.

Every site has my house at 1/2 what it’s worth because we knocked down our old home and built new.

If you run a tight ship you do not want or need to accept everyone who comes knocking at your door. 

Handwriting letters is great idea, I would also send post cards, door knock, cold call, and email them to be sure you are getting ahold of the actual owner. 

I primarily use door knocking for lead generation.

My flooring guys would have knocked it out in a day and a half for a reasonable price.Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Some mentees will act as a bloodhound for the mentor, knocking on doors, driving for dollars, scouring the internet, making cold calls, or performing other services that help the mentor find new deals.

They drive to a house that might be vacant or distressed, knock, if anyone answers they talk to them, or if nobody answers they leave one of the above.

So you may spend a lot more time looking for materials and spend more money on materials than many.As far as STR rentals are concerned....make sure you know the market and the sentiment of the neighbors...I would go knock on doors...talk to them....are they going to be supportive or make your life miserable.