I wasted hours driving back and forth to that property, meeting with contractors, utilities companies, potential buyers, etc...

I hope you are capturing all of those craigslist leads because they will come in handy once you find your motivated seller.I recommend defining your target market and driving those neighborhoods looking for the worst house on the best block.

Hello,I am new Investor who recently joined Bigger Pockets with the intent to learn, grow, and be surrounded by like minded individuals who will motivate me to keep moving forward in this industry.  

Repos were driving the market at low prices. 

But if you "drive for dollars" or market for motivated Sellers yourself, your odds of coming across potentially profitable deals significantly increase.

I can tell you I'd rather be able to drive to my property and check it out occasionally (assuming you're outsourcing management) rather than flying to Cleveland.

The comps are driving the cost. 

You can really learn a lot when you surround yourself with people out there actively investing.

Advertising in BP Marketplace will drive inquiries. 

I am having trouble finding a few prospective assets for my team one of which is an investor friendly Insurance agent in the Minneapolis and surrounding cities area here in Minnesota.