So it's the search that's key.  

Depending on your rehab skills we may have a project for you in Siesta Key.

There are always people in expensive markets that appreciate turn-key homes!

But, most beginners don't.Your best shot of finding a deal is "driving for dollars," as Brandon terms it, looking for vacant/rundown properties in good neighborhoods with great school systems, then contacting the owners, who may have been considering selling, but not taken any action, yet.Another key is to pick an area and focus on that, getting to know local values like the back of your hand.

Feel free to call.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

To make sure your going about the process in the right way.Sounds like you make have to go through the eviction process, or attempt to do cash for keys.

Your broker isn't a moron, he's right.However, he may be missing a key element here.

For example, you set up key word alerts. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

Before you go to a Than Merrill seminar do a key word search on real estate gurus and decide if it's worth your time and money.

If you don't want to get your hands dirty, you need either to find something else or if you have the capitol go turn-key, then it really is pretty easy.