HOA's are high ($900/mo) because it's a "resort style" living - lots of luxury amenities that drew me to the property.

Interesting to think that potentially REIs are doing some of this work in other neighborhoods by hunting down absentee owners.https://www.npr.org/player/embed/491507799/4915589...They mentioned in the episode that there are 7,500 vacant/abandoned buildings in the city. 

There are different players depending on what side of the river you are one.More more information on the great divide give this a read.The Rivalry: Cleveland EAST VS WEST

Good luck with your fantasy football league, players and your personal favorite team(s) this football season.

I feel I have an obligation to the industry, including the smaller players, to make sure they are at least aware of the risks, and that there are intellegent solutions should they choose to seek them. 

Hard money lenders should probably be your very last resort.  

Not only can they help you out tremendously with advice that some charge thousands of dollars for but lots of times they can point you in the right direction as to who the real wholesale players in the market are.

As for finding a mentor... network with people on the site, or even better go to a local REIA and meet the big players in the markets you are interested in.  

Depending on your area there are usually a few big players that have a lot more money to play with than you.

My success has been due to being in a very niche market with few players that do much.