Also search for "meetup" and the biggest city near your area, and you may be able to find a local meetup or REIA to network with some others and learn more.

(I imagine those demos are the biggest consumers of co-working space), but I wonder if there is a niche in the suburbs as there are tons of freelancers, solopreneuers and work from home types out here.Most of them are setting up shop at Starbucks, but it's tough to do meetings, conference calls, etc. there because of noise/lack of privacy.  

My biggest obstacle is actually FINDING a good deal....

I have found at this point the single biggest factor to expanding my portfolio is the 20% down to acquire new properties.

Also search for "meetup" and the biggest city near your area, and you may be able to find a local meetup or REIA to network with some others and learn more.

Has anyone used a "Performance Clause" with their contractor, whereby there is an incentive for finishing early and disincentive for finishing the repairs later than specified on the contract?

That protects the money guy and give you an incentive to make the deal better because you get all the upside.

I have seen some of the biggest disasters who have nice ads and even a website.

Also search for "meetup" and the biggest city near your area, and you may be able to find a local meetup or REIA to network with some others and learn more.

Don't know the scene there all that well but I do know that the CT REIA is one of the biggest ones around.