I posted on NextDoor with little success, so trying here as there was one post here on BP that seemed to get decent traction although maybe it was the subject that piqued interest. I also posted on DIY forum and that ...

I'm getting into the habit of the Funnel concept, of analyzing properties and identifying deals/leads.Thank you for the tips, this certainly helps. 

Anyways, thanks for any tips!

Also any tips/mistakes or things you guys wish you did or didn’t at my age that would really help...

There're some good tips on this thread, but it's not enough to do it correctly on your own.you do not deduct depreciation against your income, it goes into that whole calculation I mentioned: rent minus expenses minus depreciationthe resulting number known as "net rental income or loss" can be improved with certain tax strategies.

I feel like I have a good pulse on the local market, but am curious if anyone has tips for identifying markets.I feel like my area is a good buy-and-hold market as the city is actively growing and the houses are appreciating considerably.

Please, send any tips, advice on where to look for the answers to those questions, and more!

@Louie Gabriel @Marcus Auerbach Thank you both for the information and tips!

or any special tips/advice on getting a message to the owner, who obviously does not live there anymore, or possibly does not visit the property anymore.  

I remodeled the unfinished areas of the house and improved the landscape.