You can find a good place on the MLS that has a 4-5 bedroom (which has less competition on it), and look for a place that is for rent for awhile, meaning he is motivated to rent, he may put the rental price to high and that is why he is not renting it yet,  but for you it's a perfect opportunity. 

Appreciate any insightful words of motivation anyone could give, cross posted so sorry if you see this on any other BP communities!

Here is some advice to help you start and stay motivated. 1.

Conquer your fear by learning how to question it, plan for it, then mock it!If you're like me, then you have a little voice in your head that expresses your "fears for the future" by saying things like . . ."This is g...

2) Are there any other free online sources where I can post my ads or contact motivated sellers other than Craigslist?

The seller lives and a different state, so I believed she was motivated to sell.

Motivated buyers are looking to shorter term adjustable-rate loans, buy-downs, and closing cost allowances to offset the high rates.

Motivated sellers only?

Those of us who carry a full time job still have a lot we can dedicate towards other interests (such as real estate investing), so long as we have the motivation to get through it.

I say go for it. if your a go getter and motivated and a person that is not afraid of work, you can succeed at a part timer. anyways with modern technology, no one will know your a part-timer. you can call buyers, agents, brokers, anytime of day and they will not know that your doing it while working another job at the same time.