Purchase price: $72,000 SFR that I bought from an online auction with only a drive by to view.

This way, their rent stays the same, and when you're able to drive more traffic to their location, you both share in the additional profits.Just some ideas, but it will depend on your situation.

I drive commercial vehicles 60-70 hours a week and when I’m not doing that I’m researching and listening to podcasts.

Our job and population growth is driving appreciation in our real estate market.

It has many counties with different demographics in different areas of the Metroplex.To get to know it better, understand the neighborhoods in the Metroplex and where they are on the map, and then when you find some areas that interest you--fly down, rent a small car (and a cheap motel room in the area you are visiting) and drive the area during the day and around 9:30 pm or so (nothing beats boots on the ground).Beware of high crime areas--be safe.Good Luck!

See if A broker or agent will allow youbto become their assistant on the mls's so you can search for your own properties.OrFind wholesalersOr make weekend trips and drive for dollars while looking at propertiesOrContact prop mgt companies to see if any owners want to sell their rentalsOr...

Nothing helps drive market values and rent levels than well manicured lawns, freshly painted properties, and clean streets. 

Honestly, driving for dollars can find distressed homes that are not on the standard lists.

@Vincent Sottile I plan to take a drive down there myself. 

Drive through the "second ring" towns and they look like the "first ring" cities 25 years ago.