I do have other "irons in the fire" so to speak. 

Speaking of that, do I HAVE to do cold calling and go door to door?

I'm actually working on a deal in Channelview as we speak...

Multi family has been much better for me.  4-plex properties sell for just above a single family property in my area and provide a ton more cash flow, however, since properties under 5 units fall under residential lending rules, generally speaking, their appraisal is based on market comps, so there is a good chance that they will not appreciate nearly as well as a SFR.  

But I have a colleague who is a business coach; while speaking with him about a mutual client, I thought about how if I owned the business (a body and paint shop), I could use my funds to buy a building as well as inject some much needed business sense into the business.

I imagine with the competition you speak of, you stand no chance getting one on the MLS.  

Technically speaking I would be buying the house and then selling it.

I cant speak for Aaron, but for me you'd need to pass a background check and not have any bounced checks in the last 3 months. 

Look forward to speaking with you soon.

The letters got me more people who were just curious, as opposed to the pc callers who "knew what was up" so to speak.