If you want to meet some great local folks investing in real estate too, check out the meetups forum section for some upcoming real estate gatherings.

Must have road access (any way to filter this besides checking GIS Maps one by one?)

Just check FB for the groups or google them.

Those who want to do a deal may not be willing to do it right away, so stay patient and just check in with them periodically.

It is what it is and I need to account. for this as part of my situation.I'm also open to other areas and am researching those as well.  

I will check it out!

You send it back along with a check for the purchase price and they allegedly go Deed it over to you after receiving the check.

In all sincerity I think you're going to have to find what checks all of your boxes.If you're going to buy and hold, value add is definitely a strong play.

This could involve checking out neighborhoods, pricing trends, and property values.Event Coordinator for Open Houses: Assist real estate agents by organizing and managing open house events.

If you don't know your partner at all, a possible background check may be warrantedBest!