These are some of the methods that I've been considering:-Cold-calling FSBOs and expired listings -Door hangers -Social media marketing-Mailers-Cold calling in general-Establishing a relationship with a builder-Door knocking-Contacting your sphere of influence-Attending networking eventsI know that all of these methods can work wonderfully for different people in different places, and that many agents use a combination of multiple techniques.

Then search names in white/yellow pages and social media for possible contact information. 

I'd also try finding them on social media. 

Do not work in neighborhoods which exceed the area FHA cap or in the million dollar areas unless you have multi-millionaire friends you hang with frequently on a social basis.

Socializing with like minded people and learning about investing sounds like a great way to get started.I appreciate you sharing with me the questions I should be asking, this will definitely help me to find the right people to speak with.

Hopefully I will find more people to work with through meetings, social media, etc.

The social media is something that takes a long time to build up, so when you start that is not  as important, since it never grows at the rate you expect anyway.  

Even with a letter form an employer stating how you've been work there for "x" amount of time and "x" amount of pay.If you are on commissions with a 1099, lenders will want 2 years of steady income on tax returns.If you have some other "documented" source like trust fund payments, alimony, child support, disability, social security, pension payments, 401K retirement payments, then those can be used.If you are doing something like buy and hold and you can't document your income, you might be able to find a lender that will do "stated income" loans where they take you at your word.

The decision is a no brainer unless you are a social worker operating your business as a charity.

I've been providing marketing flyers which I pay for, creating social media events (with no RSVPs), posting on Craigslist, sticking signs, etc.