My normal routine is 1) lead contacts me   2) I have a brief conversation and set them up with lender to get approved   3) they get approved and I set them up on auto emails based on their criteria  4) I never hear from them again and finally get ahold of them weeks/months later to find they are under contract or working with another agent.. 

I would add to look for "cosmetic fixers" that are solid in all their major systems, but ugly and dated finishes ... you can add a lot of sweat equity to places like that.

There were some minor cosmetic work to be done along with the wood siding needing to be replaced (estimated $4-5k on avg from various contractors).

It requires no rehab, the major systems/roof should be all good for another couple years and then some and likely only needs some cosmetic touches to get it ready for a renter (coat of paint in some rooms, etc.)Note that the rental properties I am considering are all turnkey or are already cash flowing, so no significant (or zero) costs for make-ready on that front either.

There are many options, just make sure they are designed with routine condenser maintenance in mind like an AC-Guard. 

There are a few doors to replace and it could use some paint but at face value it's all cosmetic.  

My routine is to check the mls throughout the day to see what's new or back on market.

Bill:Title insurance addresses pretty much the same things here and in the last 15-20 years they have gone from a rarity to become a routine part of real estate transactions.  

The structure was sound, but it needed some serious updating/cosmetic work.The house sold in just a few days for $125,000.

It needs minor cosmetic rehab to be rent ready in about 1-2 weeks.