If its an occupied foreclosure where the bank "knows nothing" and there are "no interior inspections - do not disturb tenants", at least visually inspect the exterior for signs of deferred maintenance and look for signs of occupancy like an empty mailbox @7pm, lights on, car tracks in snow, prior to making your offer. 

If the economy didn't turn around, values could have languished or gone down even further so its easy to say, it was a no brainer back then but it wasn't. 

Cut all expenses, don't eat out, get a raise at work, get rid of fancy cars, borrow against a retirement account, look for private money.

It's like selling a used car...you don't even declare the Sale on your Taxes.

Rent Control LA TIMES COSTA HAWKINS and 1506Rent control lead to blight in the innercities of South Central LA Get word out to home owners, realtors, property managaers, plumbers, contractors, housing industry, people who like strong local economies, people who own houses or duplexes to vote no on rent control

Also, a lot of short term renters have a car and so having off street parking is more important to some than proximity to amenities.

Only debt currently is a car payment about 2 years left on a 10k loan. 215$ monthly payments. 6- thought of getting a government job part time to apply for a loan with that, then potentially loosing the job after I begin payments.

I think that long term rental property is a good way to go because you can survive through downturns in the economy and still make money.  

I got some quotes around 10-15k. Anyone have this work done before? 

Which is why I'm not at one - some people just need a mortgage, they don't need a new business checking account, 3 credit cards, and a car loan!