Hey BP Community,My name is David, and I'm completely new to Real Estate Investing.I recently left my Corporate Job in online advertising for other pursuits.

In one particular neighborhood I can pick up several vacant lots, "abandoned" homes, and some SFR properties (which presently appear as though plotting an excruciating death for their occupants). 

I find that there is a little competition in advertising but whoever gets the call first pretty much got the deal if the seller is truly motivated.

Yes, John is right BUT, you are not advertising.  

Sellers often hire a auction company, which advertises the property for sale and typically hosts maybe one open house to show off the home.

Your cost to advertise will be cheaper and they have a few more tools for tracking of leads vs YouTube.

Are you actually marketing and advertising these properties with a fictitious story or are you telling the truth?

I have found more people through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn then I can tell you.My favorite example is where I located the owner of an abandoned home on Facebook.

I would be sweating bullits if I was an asphalt shingle maker :)  these work as advertised I will put them on every home I build  rehab for retail and all our turn key rentals..

I usually just relay on Cozy, Craigslist, and Zillow listings, but lately, I've gotten into facebook advertising and marketing to users in the city in which I have a vacancy.