Your question happens to be frequently asked; I posted a bunch of BP links in this thread to help those asking the same question:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/55/topics/39235-new-member-from-phoenix-azYou'll get opinions leaning both ways in that thread (I try to be unbiased wherever possible).As for buying REO properties as an agent, please see my post from 12/19/2009 at this next link:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/16/topics/41238-anyone-use-a-buyers-agent-to-offer-on-reo-s-?

I only have them updating once every 2 weeks but can do more frequently if needed!

I do agree the Gulf side has prettier clearer turquoise water, and I visit frequently.

My thought process was more about how properties frequently sell for over asking and - more often now - don't appraise... this can pinch otherwise qualified buyers who just don't have the extra cash to make up a $15k+ appraisal shortfall.  

If this happens frequently or not.  

It isn’t far from a college campus so likely would be a target audience so don’t think it’d be difficult to fill.

It gives us up to 10 phone numbers along with emails we use for facebook custom audiences and deceased records which we cross reference with vacant properties in https://www.propertylistmanager.com?

Who's your target audience?

I also wish I would have joined the local meet-up sooner and more frequently (I have only been once so far).

Oftentimes experienced investors have been in the game so long that they forget what exactly newbies struggle with the most and where to dive into further details without glossing over what may seem trivial to them (but not the readers).I would also want to reward these experienced investors with sharing their time and stories with an engaged audience by providing them a platform to share a particular CTA: whether you have a helpful newsletter, YouTube channel, or looking for leads in a particular area, you sharing your story is also a means to connect with readers in a mutually beneficial way, more than BiggerPockets alone would offer.