This is excellent information!  

Hey Patrick,The first thing I would say is that in order to be purchasing 5 rental properties per year, you will need to have an excellent team on the ground ready to follow through with the properties or working with a trusted turn-key property provider.I would maximize your loan opportunity by taking out the highest LTV loan you can get.

We looked at a couple of flooded homes and the cheapest quote I received was for $58,000.

I've noticed a steady increase in the frequency of unsolicited mailers I receive offering my buy my house ("why worry about repairs, we'll buy you house as is, all cash, quick close" etc., etc.).

My first deal was fun, the numbers were great,  and I have an excellent tenant.

I just got a pretty excellent deal from a probate letter I sent nearly 2 years ago.

You received good advice that while it is possible to go to the listing agent directly, I would not recommend it.

The location was excellent. 

Could also say what you would've done differently.If you'd like to share any direct advice for me this is my basic situation: -I'm a 30 hour a week RN-Have about 25K cash available now-Substantial home equity available-No debt outside of our mortgage-Excellent credit-My wife and I are willing to do another owner occupied/house hack to get a MFH if advantageous-We live north of Seattle in a hot market.

If I had a excellent tenant that I had for a year or more I would, under certain circumstance, allow them to do short term rentals.