@Trevor Ewen Dips happen fairly regularly, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. 

Yeah it probably is hotter than regular grass, but I doubt it is anywhere near as hot as rocks, concrete, or asphalt.

Perhaps for the rest of this year they will want to calculate their tax burden regularly and make sure they are setting aside enough to cover their taxes.

If you start to do several projects a year and use the same contractors regularly, you can build a relationship where you can call them to meet you at a property ASAP so you can put in an offer knowing what the cost will be.

If you are going to be doing this on an ongoing basis, stress that this will not be a "one off" deal and that you want someone to take good care of you and that you will be using them on a regular basis.

I don't go to any of the meetings due to a scheduling conflict, but I do get regular emails.

Lastly, as a landlord renting to a Section 8 tenant, you should definitely visit your property on a regular basis. 

I've listened to all of the regular BiggerPockets Podcast, but not the Money one.

The biggest difference between just being a regular person finding off market deals and a licensed real estate agent is DISCLOSURE. 

Hence, if you are not seeing credible opportunities on a regular basis, you need to refine your activities, such as identity building, marketing collateral, outreach rituals, peer connections, conference attendance, seller communication, etc.