My goal in real estate is to own rental properties that generate income large enough to cover my base expenses.

Rental real estate will often generate depreciation expense and other direct expenses, so most investors will only pay rates at the lowest level of 10% (if they pay tax at all).

Finally, we generate additional capital gains and cashflow from real estate note brokering and investing.Strategies: Rehab and Resale- The company will generate return on investment for it’s Partners and capital investors by making investment in distressed properties that are purchased below market value.

McGuigan What you don't get is that there virtually no chance you can go out and get a higher price for this property, than can be generated from the MLS. 

They would rather focus their energy and efforts on what they do best, generally either flipping or buying cash flow properties. 

My wife and I combined generate low 6 figure income from our jobs, we have no car payments, and the mortgage on our house in quite modest.

You would do this to generate cash.  

However, I just learned from my power company that the energy bills of the previous tenants went as high as $570 during the very cold winter months ($200/month average).

Do people find them to be better lead generators?

I am spending my time and energy operating three separate businesses - one seasonal service business, one retail, and one e-commerce website.