That could be a great way to find and stay engaged with local investors and opportunities. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsYou can also search for other investors in that area and follow their journey on Bigger Pockets here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersAlso, be sure to get plugged into the podcast - it's been a wealth of education and a huge confidence builder as me and my husband have pursued REI and built our portfolio.

., so they moved out, or did you use the dog as an opportunity to inspect the place?

I'm in Chattanooga and agree with you that it's still a great market for investment - not as many deals as 3-5 years ago, but still seeing cash flowing opportunities. 

Then look into the area and its surroundings as a potential investment opportunity.

If you did get into a situation where it was a failed exchange maybe look at Opportunity Zones as another option?

When I am negotiating deals with sellers, we're missing new opportunities to buy.

I started to do a tiny house deal and I think there is some opportunity but those numbers seem a little aggressive to me.

So bought it with renting it out with a cash flow opportunity in mind. 

My business partner and I put together an LLC and bought our first house NOV 17 and the second in April of 18examples:1st house bought for 40k put in 25k and sold for 85 less closing and commission and holding costs = 13k net2nd house bought for 44k put in 20k and sold for 86k less closing and commission and holding = 14k net ( under contract pending close)Although these are not home runs, they are my first two houses and the education is priceless and the opportunity to put some systems in place has also been valuable. 

Real Estate Business & Investment Opportunities is a book I would recommend.