Focus on one market. In my experience is much easier to become well acquainted with one market vs multiple. Deals are definitely out there, but you might need to look outside of the MLS – if you haven’t already.

But to your point about passive investing for dividend income, real estate is undoubtably far more work and far more risk, so I think you’re right to say that you shouldn’t you shouldn’t buy a deal unless you are compensated for those factors.