The economy is in dire straits.

I might have compromised and given someone in dire straights 60 days but that would have been about itI sold that 4 plex and made a good profit leaving under value units needing repairs would have cost me equity and profit 

And it's unlikely that a lender will approve a short sale if the market value is higher than the outstanding principal of the mortgage.Having said that, I don't think the situation is nearly as dire as you think it is.

And, if you goal is to live off your investments its a lot easier to do if you have a free and clear house to live in.No way would I borrow from parents unless I was in dire straits.

Motivated seller is trying to get rid of a property that is in pretty dire condition.It definitely needs a complete gut job.

All other times it was a strait assignment of contract.

If the situation is more dire than that... well, we'll wait for the second part of your story.

Even if you grabbed a great deal on an investment property, if it puts you in financial dire straights - its not worth it.

There are suburbs around me that have expanded rapidly with new housing developments in dire need of medical facilities like urgent care and commercial retail, etc…vs driving to the city.

We little guys might not have the same opportunities, since funding constraints for the lower dollar deals might not be as dire or drive as many properties back to the lenders as predicted for the institutional grade properties.