Wishing you and your family all the best in your endeavors and in the cold, (though picturesque) winter in Maine :)

In terms of geography, I would think large, affordable and sunny locations are growing faster than small, expensive or cold locations.

When my son and I own multiple properties, we split them up and check them out on the really cold days. 

Unfortunately, sourcing these opportunities is tough because they probably never hit Loopnet/MLS and would require lots of active investment in relationship building in specific markets.ConclusionThe risk profile and projected returns of these large syndication deals makes them the most attractive option for a newbie investor in my position.Add in a potential looming economic downturn and uncertainty of where we are in the current real estate market cycle and that only increases my anxiety as a newbie investor trying to get into the market.

@Amber K.I am exactly in the same frame of mind when it comes to what seems to be a play on words in many of these instances where it may seem to be legal because EVERYONE does it and it may be taught by some guru and yet seems very cold hearted and in fact, IS ILLEGAL.I'll give an example from the pre-Crisis days that really upset me, but was very common practice.I had joined a Real Estate Club, formerly called Cash Flow NYC, where the members were presenting deals.The way the deals worked was that someone had to be a "Credit Partner" who would be paid $10k to basically put their name on the loan as an owner occupant.

Definitely cold calling because you do not need much to get started.

@Maria Knott Leave a business card at the property or Cold Call

Some guy and his wife are retiring and sailing off into the sunset (its cold and they wanna get to warmer area, so the late season sell was best for them).

You can start with Cold Calling, SMS Blast or RVM as these strategies are a bit inexpensive compared to other and these can bring results if you can maintain consistency.

Especially if you live in a cold weather climate, like Boston, it can be difficult even getting out of the house!