@Jason Hirko I love your method! 

I closed one today.. in Charleston but that is rare for me.. too much throwing stuff up on the wall and see what sticks from those folks. granted they can bring some deals.. but anyone contacting me wanting to put me on their buyer list I really don't respond to.What ever happening to apprenticing in the industry to build up capital and experience I guess the internet has given this illusion.now granted in some markets were you can trade houses like your trading cars it can be done.but in the higher priced markets pretty darn tough without some expeirnce and some jingle in your designer jeans.

I think I will try that method out.

Cost effective methods for reaching leads in those states

Yes @James Beam it is hard to find 2%-1% in the local north central areas of Kentucky, but there are other methods to look at.  

Again Sub TOO BAD BAD for seller if the seller cares at all about their credit and or  any equity they may have if they did a wrap.I know its popular on this site to promulgate this method of buying problem is too many financial sociopaths or wanna bee investors to down right crooks for a seller to take this RISK which you are now learning first hand

Other methods can be more lucrative in the short run but are more complicated.

It sounds like you've been steadily building a strong financial foundation and real estate will be your best method of maximizing returns.

@Brian Gibbons, I like the ROFR method, maybe I'll try that if I ever do this again.

CoStar is only as reliable as the data that is put in....a decent rule of thumb/guideline, but I would not bet my life on their data, particularly in thinly traded markets.