Your question is a very important one, as finding great deals is way more than half the battle for successful real estate investment, IMO.At their core, most strategies seem to be to focus your acquisition targets and process to either eliminate as much competition as possible while still acquiring quality properties and/or by developing and leveraging a competitive advantage.

Just figure out what you want to accomplish, develop a plan, seek out someone for advise or mentorship who is doing what you want,and execute your plan..

The deals on the MLS right now are land development opportunities. 

My primary investment target is local farmland, from which unused and transferable residential development rights can be clipped and sold.

Both areas are being developed and offer better valuation for residential real estate.

Planning on doing 1-2 flips a month and would like to develop a team I can count on. 

When originally developed in the 1910's it was a luxury bedroom community for the downtown financial district and over the last 100 years has fallen into disrepair.

I am eager to get started in real estate and am thinking of becoming a real estate agent to gain knowledge and work for myself while I develop the investment side.  

Develop the building plans and get my GC onboard with costs.  

I have developed a little niche in this area.