., driving for dollars, direct mail to property owners, etc.. 

I know that I’m in the drivers seat but not sure how to drive this boat any suggestions?

Driving around looking for buildings is a great method as well as local brokers.

A drive by of properties showed building exteriors are in need of serious work and windows are broken but are all 100% occupied.

There's no point in asking this question until you own a property, or are willing to pay a GC $750 for a basic one hour consultation, and you're driving to them, unless the property you own is next door to a job they are doing.GC I know, Sacramento: "I charged $1250 for something that took 10 minutes.

We can have coffee if you have an interest and driving the neighborhoods gives you a better perspective.

Another way is drive around for about 3-4 blocks in every direction from the property you are considering, and call any "For Rent" signs. 

It is better to ask yourself what type of COC you are seeking, because the returns you seek should drive the deal.

I’ve noticed in CL that there are quite a few folks who repeatedly post the same ad that drives down everyone else’s postings.

That is when I realized, its my desperation to make it, my drive, my ego, and my impatience, which makes me grind my wheels too hard and make emotional decisions (rather can carefully studied ones), thereby leading to more failure.