The Midwest has several attractive cash flow markets including Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Chicago, and Kansas City.

In my current circumstance, the lady owns the property free and clear and does not live in it.

This may sound a bit strange because I am a real estate broker as well, and I do enjoy getting paid my commissions, but your best bet is to deploy some type of marketing to attract the motivated sellers for the types of properties you'd like to purchase

I did see some properties that looked very updated that I felt I could add some amenities to in order to attract renters, but unless I could average over $100 per night with a 50% occupancy rate I just don’t see how I could turn a profit.

I consider BiggerPockets to attract the above average person when it comes to the desire to progress and better themselves professionally and financially.  

Good deals attract good buyers no matter what source of list you are cultivating. 

If this is an attractive property, it's likely to attract a cash offer when the owner wants to sell.

Business as usual in my experience.Be very carful lowering your rent as all that will happen is you will attract lower quality applicants that you will likely regret.

Being new, I started with low rates, which attracted the wrong kinds of guests, who prey on new hosts, because we need reviews. 

Negotiated without agent, which made us look more attractive.