Although I'm not putting money down I have about $10,000 in reserve cash, access to credit cards, and equity in my primary residence. 

I learned that the hard way.If you don't have money, spend $12 on business cards that say something like "I Buy Houses for Cash," and give it to everybody you know.

Welcome this site is the best so much information and connection from fellow rookies to seasoned vets! 

Do you have any credit cards you can get cash advanced on?  

And it changed regularly.Key cards seem like a good bet.  

I'd get business cards and polos.

Give your name and number and ask them to respond if they are interested in selling or maintaining the house to local and county codes  since it is clear that the house needs some maintenance. .I use the code approach to push the issue that their asset is declining and see if you can help - maybe they got cited already by the city - I find it generates more response than just a I BUY HOUSES card. good luck!

But the entrepreneur in me wants to knock on doors, something I started doing when I was 12 selling christmas cards door to door.

I am very interested intern your mail piece, what did your post card say?

I started studying real estate in 2008 where I spent my entire life savings and maxed my credit cards to learn from a Guru.