Similarly to Providence you’re going to want to find an investor friendly realtor who can identify the more favorable areas to buy because simply crossing a street you can go from desirable to undesirable. 

Buy, fix, and flip…buy at wholesale and sell to another investor…buy, rehab,and rent…I think I’m on the right track…if not please let me know lol-Identify your timelines-Do my math…by learning how to use the variety of calculations available toevaluate and select real estate investment properties for you which will help me tolocate suitable properties and help analyze your return on investment-Do my market homework by understanding your objectives such as whatneighborhoods are hot right now…what areas are up-and-coming…where are thebest schools…where are the new jobs located…help identify those opportunitiesand present properties for you as an investor to consider-Know your goals to help identify suitable properties and look for ways to add valueto my services by understanding your pain points and suggesting resources like doyou need a good handyman…Estimates from painters…Flooring quotes…A taxadviser…Be your go-to source for these referrals-And finally, I have joined some real estate investor groups through “Meetup.com”because I believe honestly that this is the best way to find prospective clients andat the same time learn what investors in my area are looking for and give meinsight on potential properties.

Identify multi units and do your math.

@Chris SeveneyI can’t comment on residential BPOs, but commercial BPOs value is identifying and describing the property, the value analysis is worthless.

I calculated all capital expenses that I could confidently identify and I ALWAYS left a giant margin for error (this was my first deal).

At least then the person will have some knowledge of the area which makes it easier to identify a legitimate deal.

I'm a big proponent as we were using the Economic innovations groups distressed community index (predecessor to OZ maps) to identify up and coming markets in or around urban cores.

@Steve Buchanan, You've identified the challenge correctly. 

Speak to a securities attorney before you have a deal so that you know who you are using and what steps to take once you've identified an opportunity.

Identify a need then fill it.I am happy to discuss offline if you need some guidance.