So, I don't buy where I live.For off-market deals, you'll need to do direct marketing or find people who can find the deals (wholesalers.) direct marketing takes many forms, and there are many strategies for doing so (mailers, cold-calls, networking, driving for dollars, etc.)

A couple colleagues of mine have made the trek from different parts of Florida up to NH to work in real estate (though its currently below zero degrees right now, so I have no idea why they would have moved to somewhere this cold). 

This is in Minnesota and it's cold.

Include a personal letter with the offer so that the deal is more personal instead of cold or robotic.Do you guys/gals have any other ideas to help improve my offer success in the near future? 

"According to HouseCanary the top five cold climate markets offering the best rental investment opportunities during the first quarter, a traditionally slow buying time included; Cleveland, Detroit, Columbus, Ohio, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.

In this particular instance, it's extremely cold in the northeast and I'm dealing with 2 apartments with leaks/frozen pipes associated with the bathtub. 

It is very cold in kc right now .

I think it was cold in there for about a week before I found out when I went in to look at his progress.

As some of you may know, the North East has been experiencing record breaking cold. 

Couple comments I'd add.1) You're moving FROM the cold (NJ) TO the cold (CHICAGO)?