I also worked in social services in NYC for a number of years and saw how barriers to getting secure housing made people's lives way worse.

Perhaps they've been through this before.Some landlords will say "if you don't hear from me then you didn't pass the screening requirements" but that seems rather harsh.I do send the application back to these folks because it includes their social security number. 

I would say cold calls, open houses, referrals, sphere of influence, head-knocking, family/friends, social media are the best free leads. 

Looking to build a large network on social media.

I am looking for:  C- / C neighborhoods that are up-and comingUnder median price rangeSigns that other investors are there (bandit signs, one rebuild on the block) but aren't completely invested outHouses that have lots of equity (last sold more than 10 years ago)Abandoned housesHouses that look in need of serious repairOvergrowthSagging roofs and guttersWindow units instead of HVACRusting / collapsing chainlink fencesAging cars parked in the yardFaded numbers on mailboxChipped paint and non-traditional paint colorsSigns that seem to show anti-social behavior, such as "Beware of Dog," "Private Property," "No Trespassing," "CCTV Monitoring" (seems to correlate, don't know exactly why)Am I going about this right?  

I discovered an interest for real estate from a friend and since then I have been on a non stop mission to learn how to master it!

Would be willing to barter my time for some online marketing or social media help.

This tenant has been here for 11 years on social security paying 650 out of pocket.

Yeah i'm actually attending one tonight and i attended one last week so i try to socialize my network as much as i can.

Generating seller leads that will be worth anything for an investor is tough using social media.