I live in the Boston area and it seems as if the closest I can get is about 20-25mins outside of the city.

While living there, I've learned a few small tips about the house such as how to deal with the mice (we're in the city) and how to clear the back patio drain when it clogs (it looks bad but it's really not).

Also, it's one of the last few OC cities that still has room for growth.  

I'm particularly interested in distressed multi-unit properties in Santa Fe (although I'm not sure that these even exist in this city). 

Beautiful neighborhood, owner lives out Canada & she is ready to get the property off her hands.

But presumably there are similar groups in your city.

I have one rental unit (condo) in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago (south side) and am considering purchasing several more, but this time to flip.  

And if you know your area you can focus on certain neighborhoods, which is something you can't as easily do if you buy, for example, an absentee list.There are tons of other ways to get leads though, it's just up to you whether you want to put in the time, do the work, pay the money...Type "finding leads" into the search bar here on BP and find literally thousands of posts and blogs on the topic.

Keith -  MegaCorporations that are health insurers/hospital/family practice/everythings that gobble up a city and literally buy up all the doctors, change the insurance rules to screw everyone but themselves, and the paperwork...don't get me started.  

I'm sure there are always needy/desperate people...There are always people in foreclosure, tax delinquency, inheriting houses they don't want/can't afford to keep, trying to get out of a terrible house/neighborhood...etc