Talk to the county offices in your target areas to figure out what their process is.

When investing in Post WWII homes, built after 1940, target 3 bedroom family homes.

In that price range, I believe it's easier to find Single Family rental properties than multis but you also have to be cognizant of the various neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.

Marketing wise, is direct mail still viable in 2018, or is web based marketing targeting seller owned properties a better bet?

After Months of education and research and a trip to Little Rock AR (first market I am targeting) I have just submitted my first LOI on an off market property.

Not sure what you mean by too early.I’d still buy pre-foreclosure if a seller contacted me; we just don’t target market for those anymore.

Also it is easier to find two $1200 renters than one $1600 renter.  

This will help you keep things organized and make accounting much easier in the future (like during tax time). 

This is why their ARV and renovation estimates are so far off and why they pick up properties in bad areas, making most deals a disaster for anyone who falls for them.Personally, If i were you, I would get my own real estate license, become a broker and learn as much about real estate and my target market.

I am super stoked to have the opportunity to jump in on the CIE as it is first implemented, information availability will make it easier for investors to make the jump to commercial.