Buy a single-family property (at least 3/2) in a vacation-oriented destination (think outdoor activities as the main attraction) to live in full-time.

So, your best bet is to show the deal to some friends/family/associates who may be interested in the deal and pay them 10% return within 6 months to make it attractive. 

As @Dmitriy Fomichenko pointed out, the employer match is an attractive feature of many plans. 

In this scenario you'll have to make the initial offers attractive, since you get only one shot.The thing about assembling different property, especially when there not for sale, is that its not a matter of getting the property under market price, since its most probable that at least one owner will have to be offered an above market price to convince him to sell.  

From experience, I've learned in order to be successful you have to work in areas you feel comfortable in and attract the type of clientele that work with your personality.

I got attracted to the Detroit area for real estate investment because of affordability and amazing cash flow.

If so, 30 minutes from the college is a long distance to attract students.

Posting ads of houses that you don't have on Craigslist or here on BiggerPockets as bait to capture buyers for your list. Is this practice ethical or unethical? Furthermore, does it work to secure a buyer for when you...

We had it listed with the local hot shot realtor (and she is great but no offers..) for three months..so we went back to FSBO to lower the price to what we felt was very attractive..and our realtor agreed..nice price.

I would certainly make your property look top notch so you attract the best tenants.