(Unless you are starting with lots of cash)Cash Flow and Equity.......look for and find........Ugly houses, vacant buildings, tax sales, distress sellers, landlords in rent court, housing  code violations, public auctions.......Make offers, contract engineering, controlling clauses, assignments, joint ventures, credit lines, being fair and open ......learn and practice those techniques and you will do well in Baltimore.You have friends in Baltimore, follow, chat anytime.....Good luck....

However, the new wood floors and other more complicated tasks that require some experience and lots of tools, I'd hire out.

What are some techniques that have been working for you?

PBC and Martin have lots of profitable deals now.You just have to focus on your acquisition method, be the expert in that technique then you will find the motivated sellers you are looking for.

What is the best strategy or technique from above or anywhere on BP or your experience to get me to my goal in 10 years?

For $15k and maybe a point over market on the rate you don't seem to be gaining that much by making it complicated.  

Not trying to muddy Brian's marketing techniques, but a ROFR is pretty weak for a buyer, they have no teeth really unless the seller is placing the property on the market or attempts to sell.

MD uses a complicated formulaYou amount you are bidding is the amount you pay in the event you foreclose. 

The process is really not complicated as long as you are ready with your numbers

Take advantage of the podcast as well as the forums to gain as much insight on investing techniques as possible.