Most agents have a filter and flags that help them know when someone is serious or ready.

Close enough to party, far enough away to breathe and find property...The same geographical beach AND closer to the keys.  

@Kenneth Garrettthanks for your feedback - that helps. lots of legworks but sounds like fun :) ... need to work for an agent or investor so I can live and breathe this ...

Some agents eat, sleep and breathe real estate.

The general but not easy or simple rule is that the more analysis / filtering / insight you provide tailored to the investor upfront, the more of the investors time you are saving (but investing your time), the higher the quality of the deals you are presenting to the investor.

What we plan on doing, is at renewal-- give them the option of $100- $200 to upgrade their house,  maybe it's adding a small fence, or painting a room, or a year of filters, at least this way we are improving the property and improving their quality of life.  

The problem comes with breathing asbestos dust into your lungs over a prolonged period of time.

We were in the same situation as you, renting in NYC but moved to Rutherford to save money on rent (and get some breathing room finally). 

They replaced the whole part and gave me an $80 filter.

Also, try to build an extra 15 days into your closing timeline if the seller will allow, so you have some breathing room to close the loan on your first investment.