While these aren't as good as having access to the MLS, they can get you pretty close.

I am currently working in Louisiana as a rope access welder.

One of the cool things about this asset class is that you can force the appreciation by making improvements and raising lot rents. 

But BP did publish a book that could serve as a good primer to improve your knowledge and get you off to a good start: The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs. 

@Gary Marcus you can improve your buying power exponentially by using the heloc as cash for down payments on multiple properties .

What I find is that the banks just want too much money for houses that need too much rehab.Is there some way other investors are getting access to properties that aren't on the MLS, or these common sites I mentioned? 

I am not sure what the plan is in terms of metering each unit and passing that cost on to the tenants as well as other improvements that could increase rent, however, those costs should be part of the negotiations and hence on the overall price.  

Brady is working on a bill in the House (as is the Senate) on reforming 401(k) plans, to include access to the funds.

You don't add much on a normal house located in an appreciating market but generally when you sell you will get some of that money back vs getting no money back on the improvement...Bruce - if you follow the market there seem to always be cash flowing rentals for sale at reasonable prices in Duluth. 

Some of my pros and cons for leaving current employer versus staying;ProsGreater growth potential as self employed Realtor;More access to marketing tools;Can start building RE business off of the affiliatIon of a more reputable firm; More practice by repetition; Learning opportunities in the public sector (government contracting for corporate housing)Cons Leaving a more secure job (hourly wage, health benefits, PTO, etc.)