Local government is NOT "Big Government", there is a distinction between these 2. 

But higher tax rate in PG county. 

Most sellers that are open to selling you a deal off-market are just like I was with my rentals: the way to motivate them to sell is to give them a price HIGHER than they think they can get on the market.  

They will pay a higher mortgage payment because they are not trying to cash flow.

In Phoenix, a 1996 build is practically brand new when compared to a WWI-era home in Cleveland or Pittsburgh or some other Midwest or East coast city.While I agree that older homes come with more problems, buying something newer may not work as the price will be higher and won't cash flow as well.I'm of the mindset to buy what fits your budget and investment goals.

And yes the higher the barrier to entry, the better the return (reward). 

If you want to combine two or more lesser sales into one higher purchase that is fine as long as your purchase meets the timing requirements for each sale.  

When I do it at 20% down, I can only find negative cashflow, so I could be looking in the wrong spot, or I need to put more down, or I am missing something all together.I have read that making a 8% return or higher is what to look for, and I can find break even.

@Lisa DuFaux again your specking to 90% of end user realtors, and yes there is money spent on higher priced homes.

They are very likely to respond, but keep in mind you can't get dollars from a turnip.My experience is wear and damage are higher with some S8 tenants and not at all with others, just like regular tenants.