I just send a general/generic letter for probate leads, same letter I would as an absentee owner or whatever.  

Asking wildly generic questions will get you nowhere.

You can also retire early by cutting your standard of living...maybe the next house you buy can be your retirement home...1600 sq ft in a nice but cheap area on a 15 year note...and sell your primary to live off of and supplement with consulting.  

Your question is too generic and we don't have enough information about your market to answer it, anyway.For a beginner, I think your best option would be to invest in a multi-family, preferably with 3-4 units.

Does anyone do BPOs for supplemental income?

I get so annoyed when people try to bargain using generic excuses."

I'm an Adjunct Professor but I would like to supplement my income with RE investing.

Plug in a zip or address and get a generic over view of properties available.

You can use a generic one for the basis of simplicity, but you can have your local insurance person give you an closer estimate...  

@Josh Wagner Josh I wouldn't send the generic letter that's for sure.