How would you suggest we go about dealing with a more local (owner) than with the real estate agents who work primarily on the internet with foreigners.

Here is a link to an online RE school with one of the highest 1st-time pass rates in FL:www.realestateexpress.comThere are discount codes around the Internet, Groupon and at most RE Brokers' offices.Good luck   

However, if the tenant isn't wanting to pay utilities I'd bet there are other issues in the unit either with rent or upkeep etc 

I bet if you placed an ad on Craigslist etc and had in the first line SMOKERS WELCOME!

Engelo turned me on to Rocket Fuel I bet you like that one..

I also spend a lot of time researching on the internet.

Its amazing whats you can learn for free on the internet (:I am a wholesaler here in Nashville so if you are looking for more deals send me your email and I will add you to my buyers list!

So not required if you find good deals and people.I got my degree in econ and minor in finance at SFSU and met a lot of great people - but I bet you would meet a lot of even more important and meaningful connections at Berkeley, especially with your networking interest, if you chose to do so.

Now this seems like a better bet for a buy and hold.If that adage is true its not when you sell its when you buy.

No matter what you decide it may take longer than a month to find a deal.I also would caution against betting on a downturn in the market.