This should be win-win and your 10 yr older self will appreciate it down the line. 

Listen to them share their problems, wins, headaches, milestones, etc.

If they do, you're extremely likely to win and be paid from the bond. 

An attorney can cost you a lot, and winning in small-claims is simple enough (in NC, at least).

Often times, there's houses or land worth $500k listed with an opening bid of $30k which is a fantastic deal; however, if you were to win the auction, there may be multiple liens and $100s of thousands of hidden fees that you have to pay at once (based on what I read online).

And definitely not, getting even 1 property in 2025 it'll be a win.

Let’s connect and share some wins!”

Quote from @Jay Hinrichs: Bruce there is also that famous case in San Fran  in the Seacliff area of 5 to 30 mil homes and someone bought their right of way on a small private street and were trying to block them off and then of course sell it back to these folks.

Yes, there are times they do win and make money, but not on a frequent bases in my experience.  

The key is, that you win more than you lose.