There's a lot more involved then just listing on the MLS, and if you're not comfortable handling the complete process, yourself, you can wind up in hot water and costing you more than if you used an agent. 

You won't be able to find a property manager to deal with a house in a "high crime " area and the laundry list of issues that come with it.

I recently purchased a small portfolio in Oklahoma and I found that opportunity because the MLS listing mentioned the other properties, and suggested the owner would be willing to discount them if someone purchased all of the properties together.

Now R3 owners know their properties are going to increase in value, rents are going to climb over the next few leasing seasons, and it might pay off to hold out on listing their student property.

But, Phoenix exploded the last few years with listings.

I would find some commercial agents in the area to get started, a lot of deals are done off market prior to listing and they have a vested interest to make it happen so they get both sides of the commission.  

Join FB groups for your markets and get on the list of your local wholesalers.Get your finances together so that you know where your tax records are and how much you have for a downpayment and what your credit score is.

., and partnership with Investor friendly agent who is willing and understands that submitting multiple offers is the name of the game to get the right deal; looking to work with Investor Agents that have "Pocket Listings" of "Ugly" houses. 

As for more DD items and simple ones on the front end:If I submit my info to "learn more" or "invest now" or "get started", and there is no direct communication (email, text or phone call), then you are off my list.  

Get a good lawyer, pay him to monitor your communications and work with listing agents directly so you're not making rookie mistakes(they'll charge a flat fee or like 1-2 hours so nothing egregious). 99% of "investor" friendly agents are not that, they're ****.