It's not exactly a "how to" book (the note business is probably too vast for just one book) but it does offer an introductory overview of the note industry as a whole, as well as feature some creative note strategies you could employ with traditional Real Estate that I used throughout my career.

I feel the exact same way & wam to employ the same strategy.

Look into where the better school systems are, companies moving in/employment growing etc.

Employers.

I had a similar applicant with 600 credit, great manners, few collections on repot, employed, looked like a true gentleman.

.- Diverse employer base.

That said, I will add one more dimension that others did not; if you REALLY like a market based off of sound factors (rent growth, job growth, major employer diversification, historical vacancy rates, landlord laws, etc.) then you can always develop a new relationship in that market.

Section 8 has guidelines and standards for both tenants (they must be employed, pay their rent on time, etc.) and landlords (there are annual inspections). 

True inspiration and a strategy I need to employ myself.

Definitely start part-time and don't even think about full-time until you are really, really sure you can sustain it because once you are full-time, you'll have the added stress of health/dental insurance and all other self-employment responsibilities (not sure if your current full-time job gives you benefits...if not, then it's a mute point).