@Matt AshbrookI would stay persistent with MF search. 

The idea is they're in the same place or were recently and you can help each other move to the next level, share ideas, keep each other motivated, etc.Direct mail is one strategy that a lot of beginning investors use and it's certainly something you can try, but it's usually better suited to wholesalers than to people finding their first property to buy and hold, only because it requires a lot of persistent time, effort and money, and the few leads you'll get for that will often be in areas you might not want, or require more rehab than you might want, for a property you personally would want to own.Don't get me wrong, you can do well with direct mail and other marketing efforts (such as "driving for dollars", pursuing properties with violations, contacting long-time or burned out landlords, door knocking, probates, divorces, etc.), but I'd say it requires a lot of commitment since it's a numbers game and is really best if it's part of a wholesaling strategy.I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'd recommend picking a strategy - buy and hold, or wholesaling - to start out with, and focusing on that.

As all the pod-casts says, what sets apart the successful from the rest is actually being persistent and being a go getter.

Persistence in looking and patience in waiting (or making) the right deal is key!  

Your faith, hard work, and persistence are a recipe for taking advantage of these opportunities you speak of :) See you around the site.

I understand it takes a lot of hard work and persistence.

That takes major determination and persistence!

You've got a bright future ahead of you if you can stay persistent and focused.One thing I notice is that, regardless of your age, people will work with you if you bring value to the table.

The ket is constant persistent action.

And Ali, thanks for the advice, I think that finding the right property will be a challenge, but with enough persistence I will find a good one!