We are going to be using craigslist and Facebook but are there other options that are more successful? 

Throughout my education I've heard from investors of all levels of experience that pretty much everyone makes their biggest mistakes on their first flip, and that it can be considered a success to just break even on the first one.  

“Buyers are not just paying more for the same home; the mix of homes in the market is rapidly changing.”This is country-wide, but just imagine the rate it's happening at in Atlanta given the development, corporate success, announcements, cost of living, world class status, etc https://atlantaagentmagazine.com/2018/04/11/home-p...

I don't think that your friend could replicate his success starting today and going forward over the same time span.There is no one path to real estate riches.

@Chris Guccione Thanks for sharing your experience.Hope you have success investment and happy life in JAX!

Hearing a successful stories motivates even more to dig deep into studying and researching the RE business!

I've never structured seller financing.I've thought of a near full price offer with interest only for 5 years (a little gamble that rents will continue to rise and values will at least stay steady) or the financing and paying them $225ish.The owner said my proforma seemed faulty accurate (I lose $206 monthly after moving and fully renting) so there needs to be wiggle room for win-win here.Asking the BP universe: what offer methods and tactics have you found to be most successful?

@Jason BocekCongratulations on your successful start in investing.To correctly create a tax return, you will need to learn a few concepts that are specific to REI.

I have some friends trying to convince me otherwise, with their success stories in that segment of rentals however. 

If you are going to join a team, and it's a successful team, you should follow their lead.