The problem is when you are trying to pick a market you have too many choices across 50 states!

At the end of it all, it is your choice on how much to collect for repairs, vacancy, cap ex, etc.

., a industry specific cal center and "boots on the ground" (an individual who is local to the property who can perform the needed onsite tasks).

Instead of hiring a property management company, I would prefer to work with a trustworthy individual that can also do regular maintenance and repairs. 

You could wait for a correction that never comes as well or one that isn't as steep as you expect, it is probably better to base your decisions based on the quality of each individual property and its current value.

There is no small scale development available to individuals.

If not possible then do your due diligence on any operators in your market of choice.

Just trying to connect with like minded individuals in my area.

I am a very motivated individual that got into this business head first!

If the property is already listed, then really, your only choice is to go through the Realtor.Realtors are legally obligated to present offers to their clients so they should present yours.