Specifically targeting the $200K to $250K ARV value market.  

If you have purchased a good deal it will usually make another loan easier. 

that is just a target i've heard from a few others although maybe it is indeed too high? 

Hard money lenders many times will let you invest in their short term debt.. ( these are commercial purpose)One thing I get a lot of is direct mail.. its exactly the same method that real estate wholesalers use.they search public records.. get lists of private owners of notes.. ( usually the target is a seller carry back) and then they blast out direct mail offering to buy the note from the current note holder.. the pitch in 99% of those is all the same  same buzz words..

I'm still a newbie and have quite a bit to learn, but I am targeting investment opportunities in the Minneapolis, MN and Dallas, TX areas.

Owner occs will have an easier time getting along day to day, as will those who own something that is safe in all other aspects, i.e. ceiling height, stairs etc. 

You can also buy lists of cash buyers from findcashbuyers.com or similar services, or simply use Trulia heat maps to filter for cash transactions in your target areas and build your own lists.

I assume you are going to work in West Palm Beach so a 5 to 7.5 mile radius would be your target area. 

Let me know how you got started and if you think there’s an easier way.

Might not be in your best interest to go 1on1 with him before you get a few deals under your belt anyway ;-)Target a nice $150k property that rents for $1k+ to start out.