As an agent you will have the ability to learn the market, identify trends, and come acoss amazing deals through your marketing, MLS access and even word of of mouth.  

Ultimately, from the questions we all want to see you either stand behind your reasonings or reconsider them so so that you will be sharp to identify a great opportunity when you see one in the time ahead.

This is where I'd like to get some connections to help identify solid opportunities there (purchasing from wholesalers seem like the right direction, but I'm pretty new to that term and may not fully understand the finer points of wholesaling).  

Credit goes to @Rich Ferradino though for identifying those neighborhoods :) I'll check out Lavaca as well and revert back after I've pulled the trigger on a property (or hopefully properties).

Also you said you're just starting out so always add 2-4 weeks til you are more able to identify the scope of work more easily and also allowing for hiccups along the way.

This will identify the retail price ranges, in which you can list the rehabbed property and the price ranges, of distressed homes, you should target.You can use the Realtor to help you find deals and also use Wholesalers.

-Has anyone identified the property that FNMA actually owns ?

I have identified a property in Palm Springs at a great price, but I wanted to see if anyone had ever rehabbed one before and if they could share what to expect the rehab to cost.

I'm not looking for providers to identify themselves, or for people that have a financial interest in referring me. 

See also topics like https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/41/topics/129724-courthouse-auctions-deed-of-trust-identifying-1st-and-2nd-mortgages ....