I've been primarily using sources like Zillow and Redfin for my search. 

If you can buy from a reliable turn key provider with great reputation for THE SAME or CHEAPER THAN you can buy it, renovate it and place the tenant yourself, then it may be a great route.We have excellent financing sources and other vendors that might be really helpful for you too.Welcome to Bigger Pockets, and Happy Networking.

Dear all, I need money to start investing, and the only source of cash is my IRA.

If it is truly a great deal, I would think there would be a private money source out there. 

Just like a screening a tenant...contacting their previous landlords (often the current landlord isn't the best source) to see what issues there may have been.  

What to do depends on many variables such as other sources of income, retirement goals and overall future plans.IN GENERAL, you'll want to look into the benefits of an S-Corp and see if that structure is right for you.  

I can project $500/unit on paper buying in a D neighborhood but that doesn't mean it'll help me retire sooner.I am hoping to hear from someone who has been solely living off their rental income for 10+ years. 

They believe they make money for the sole purpose of enjoying life today and from one perspective they are not wrong.

Look for similar properties currently for rent in the area and contact the landlords.They can be your best source for cash buyers if they are multiple property owners looking to expand.Also go down to the courthouse and attend the foreclosure auctions to meet cash buyers buying homes on a weekly basis for rehab and resale.Walk up to them with your business cards and your 3 properties info and ask what type of properties they buy on a regular basis and ask them for their card in return.

I'm hoping that one day I can strategically make my cash flow in such a way that student loans and job security are no longer a source of stress.