Jobs drive the economy. 

First I wasn't thinking I would drive around to find distressed properties which I found to be ineffective.

I barely get a chance to drive by the property before it is gone.Does anyone have any tips for swooping in and getting an offer in?

Tenants have been there for 3 years, so most likely pay and PAY ON TIME  - big Positive factor. 

I don't know if because of lack of inventory or other factors but buyers will pay what they want to pay. 

@Michael Duncan I wake up at 6:30am PST, I make my coffee and then drive to a neighborhood my dog and I will walk.

For now, I'm focusing on wholesale to help save up money to fund my first flip.From the research I have done I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I need to start my business or form a LLC (of course for a name, website, flyers, etc.) and to start putting in crazy amounts of leg work like driving for dollars and getting some leads together and started up in order to put together a profile to find potential cash buyers..Is there any advice you could give me that would help out with the beginning stages of starting up my wholesale business?

Ask any Mortgage industry or Title industry person if what I'm stating is fact or not. 

They were driving a neighborhood, ran into a guy and started talking about what's for sale in the area.

I don't know anyone based out of that area but you can give A.J McCullough a try and see if they'll make the drive. http://ajmcarpentry.com/