Do local real estate market research so that you understand local culture, dynamics and business mentality, before purchasing anything.

I also know that not every homeowner who has a home for sale is represented by an agent.I also know that if you have a lot of sales skills, versatility, and are "appearing the part", many times that will overcome any questions someone has about a POF.  

Welcome back to the real estate investing mentality. 

In Las Vegas, where there is a ton of them, the mentality seems to have gotten more to, get the highest and best as close to the BPO as possible and let it go....still not going for significantly less than market value.In las vegas we can get you or any investor many buy and holds that will make money, flips are still available if you are realistic on what you want for returns.  

I have been trying to think through this mental exercise a fair bit lately.

That would seem to indicate a "rushing-herd" mentality, which is a huge issue for any investment strategy.

It's all about mentality and perspective.

Now, that letter might not have been from Castro (is he even mentally competent to do so?)

Mentally it prepares everyone for the expectations and formalizes things you may have said.

Hey Ryan, the Chromebook is a versatile little notebook and very quick since it has an SSHD.