Yes, here in Indiana, one can start advertising immediately upon the accepted contract since you will have equitable control via the earnest money and signed contract.The HUD training's I've attended even encourage this and are okay with it, social media is fine - as long as there is NO yard sign or other signs placed on the property [you can place them near the property and point buyers to it with the address written on the sign...

Or perhaps not as trendy in a few years?

It's sole purpose is to draw you in to where you see their advertising and promotional materials.The score you get from CreditKarma uses a Vantage Score formula, not FICo. 

I'm interested to find out if buying from a wholesaler is a good way to buy some great deals, or if it's smarter to just try to find opportunities on my own via mls or advertising.

I am a new investor that was looking for a wholsale deal and found a owner that wanted to sell. but does not want to move from their advertised price of 75,000.  

You are correct in noticing a growing trend!  I

The placed in service date is the date it was advertised for rent.

Advertising = the art of deceit. 

The first one we bought was a condo near old town orange which is a very trendy spot with tons of restaurants, bars etc.

6.How do you advertise your vacant units?