I have  repaired several homes and have gone the route of pressed piers.  

Hot and cold markets, it always seems to work for people, whether overworked or not.

In Illinois, we get harsh and very cold winters (as well as many other states, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, etc, etc). 

I have been cold emailing and trying to network into interviews.

The issue on this project has been fixed and we are pressing forward.

The first one to go is the one we dread the most.....cold calling FSBO's to ask if they will sell on terms.

Cal for that matter unless you are very skilled, experienced, and tenacious.Having said that, over the long haul the track record on total return (cash flow + appreciation + mortgage pay down) is quite clear ... you are already in a great market and would be hard pressed to find a better ROI out of state.

Call... nine five four - eight two eight - six five two zero....then press 2 on the menu. 

He shows you excellent ways to feel out if a market is hot or cold..

You'll be hard pressed to find lenders willing to loan on properties that are under $50K each.