What many of them have in common is that they ignored the market, focused on decent to good areas, ignored the dips and spikes, held for a long time, and purchased when it made financial sense for them instead of trying to time the market. 

With the US elections and the global financial troubles in the news lately, it seems risky to go all in on this venture.

If off market I search local county tax record for owner and send one of three letters; individual, LLC, or REO.

Each market is different though as are individual goals.

This of course raised the concern that they probably offer their better deals to institutional investors and the more riskier ones to individuals.  

I have been in manufacturing for almost thirty years and I feel I need to make a move toward financial independence. 

I don’t know your financial situation or how much you earn a year – but may I assume that an extra $10,000 per month on a continuous basis would free you from your slave wage job and give you the courage to do real estate full time?

I am a very driven individual having gone to a collegiate high school where I earned my Associates degree by age 18.

But not sure of their exact financial situation, because they didn't feel comfortable sharing any more details than what I have.

I always go to view the properties and meet with the property owner or person handling all paperwork and financial responsibilities on that particular property.