There are variations to it, but essentially you pick your farm area and go and study 50 homes within it.  

And I can't pick up a serious buyer from my open houses either

Last year I was able to pick up a rental property off market, by talking to the neighbor at one of my other properties.

When I was initially trying to sort this all out it was really frustrating as I felt like it was highly unlikely that I needed to recreate the wheel, so to speak, as it didn't seem like such a unique situation. 

My 2 biggest concerns are having enough money stashed away to survive while we get a business going, (although I would not have a problem with picking up a cashiers job somewhere so we would have health insurance) and the financing to buy the business.

If you pick a winner, you can make a killing in appreciation. 

If you're in Oviedo, pick a few neighborhoods, and start walking or driving them and take down the addresses of any distressed looking properties you see.  

From what i have picked up on here is what i know i should ask for so far from doing research:1.

I would LOVE to take anyone out for lunch and pick your brain, or shadow you through a day of a well versed real estate investor. 

What's the best deal you've ever picked up at a tax deed sale auction?