My situation:I have a pre-foreclosure under contract for what is owed on the mortgage, taxes, and HOA fees. 

I would pass just on that basis but make sure your expenses are realistic before you do that: taxes look high, vacancy looks high, insurance looks a little low, and property management looks high.  

I have found the real value in the following: Subject cell phone numbers, tax delinquency status/ amounts, and mortgage information.  

They're probably not reporting your money to the government, which could create tax problems for you down the line, and by not having a contract they are less bound to the job and more free to walk off when they want.

Here I compare the balance and arrears to the tax assessed value.  

You are putting a deposit down for the appropriate governing body to foreclose on the property for delinquent property taxes.

It's okay to be different.A couple examples:1) If everyone is going after Pre-Foreclosure Lists, or Probate leads, maybe you should attack Tax Delinquent Lists.2) If everyone else is contacting by direct mail, maybe you could get actually call, or knock doors.DARE TO BE DIFFERENT (you might fine that a niche acquisition strategy will serve you best).We wish you the best of success,Reach out if you have any questions,ADAM ADAMS

Low taxes great place for newbies to start.

It's okay to go the other way.For example, if everyone is going after Pre-Foreclosure Lists, maybe you should attack Tax Delinquent Lists.If everyone is going after Probate Leads, maybe you could focus on recently Divorced Leads.

I am thinking that taking the tax loss might be worth not losing out on what I have been finding.