I've been combing through the forums and blogs and the huge library of past podcasts.I'm planning to buy my first property under 50K within the next two months.

Most relevant managers/landlords post on Zillow, so I comb through similar properties within a mile or so and base my price on my direct competition.

Perhaps @Max Tanebaum or @Brent Combs can help you.  

Comb Craigslist FSBOs, go to REIAs, call property managers and ask if any of their clients' buildings are for sale, send mail to properties you like, call "for rent" posts on craigslist.

He also has some online software that will comb through all the data and just present you with a list of likely candidates. https://www.distressedpro.com/Hope this helps,Les

Mortgage companies do not like other loans with their loan.Fact they make you prove you have money in the bank for 60 days with no big moves .Hard money loans are very hard to get the reject 75% of their loans .They go over everything with a fine tooth comb and then some .

You can write letters, see if you can get a phone #, talk to the neighbors to see what they know or just go up and knock on the door.Once you have a good deal, go to your local REIA meeting or post it here on BP and I guarantee you will have no trouble finding someone with cash.Spend some time combing the site for tips on "driving for dollars", "direct mail", "off market deals", etc...It sounds like you have relevant experience and skills, so my suggestion would be to find a great deal.  

Thank you @Peter Comb and @Michael Bertsch.

Each loan was gone over with a fine tooth comb, everyone trying to blame someone else for the loss.  

You're better off combing through 100 deals to find one that's in a great area that gets you 1% with appreciation potential and quality tenants, in an A or B area, rather than 2% or 3% in a bad area.