But I'm not sure that really matters (retail vs investor)I find that the whole (retail) RE market is rigged - against the buyer and the seller and favors the agent who expects to make thousands of $$ with little 'work'. 

A lot of people are fearful right now.I'm just over the hill in Reno, NV and chose to live and invest here because our property taxes do not reassess on the sale, landlord/tenant laws are much more favorable, and there is steady job and population growth, but we're still very close to the benefits of CA. 

The downturn will eventually spread across the nation, and to a somewhat lesser degree affect those areas that had lower price appreciation.My timing prediction: the oncoming slow-motion housing crash will become very evident within 6 to 9 months after the first Fed rate cut. 

They have very favorable terms built into their agreements.

Have you maxed out your networking or are you the guy who everyone is always asking for favors and "a mentor" or something like that?  

Anyone know an option to get funds out of my STVRs on favorable terms? 

I read under the new law that "Any person with a right to redeem the property may do so at any time prior to the entry of final judgment in the proposed action, either by payment to the tax collecting official as provided by law before an action is commenced, or by filing a timely answer or motion in the court after an action has been commenced." 4.

I've seen some less than favorable experiences posted 3 - 5 years ago.  

For them, there was very low risk, because they knew how to gauge the after-repair value and set terms in their favor. 

The minimal renovation requirements and favorable market conditions made it an attractive investment.