I've listened to Matt Theriault's podcasts, which I believe are enormously helpful.It was his podcasts that steered me to looking into wholesale real estate, as the no money down/connecting sellers with buyers, concept is attractive.I currently own a contracting business, which as of late has lost its appeal.I know the construction business well and have lived through a pletherea of learned experiences.Not that I'm bored with construction, I'm wanting a seemingly more fluid cash flow business.What I've learned, and frankly want BP's thoughts, is that I'm looking for distressed property or owners as potential sellers.I want to connect those types of opportunities with buyers, who either don't have or want to take the time to find the properties I'm willing to do the work to find.Based on my reading of BP's UBG, understanding what buyers want should be the first step, versus finding sellers and then buyers.And, that a great resource could be county records of cash buyers and that that step would provide potential buyers.Question:Has this approach worked for you?

Has anyone ever acquired a severely distressed property (long neglected water damage, structural damage, mold, hoarders (and cat poop)) and lived to tell about it?  

Not normal - threatening to sue me if I kicked him out as he is on disability and I am causing him distress, and threatening to have the tenants who complain to talk to him (probably plan on beating them up or something).

" 17.6 million dollar purchase of a distressed asset in 2009 " ~ Nice Where is the duplex located ?

Seek distressed sellers that take a little digging to find. 

The home is very distressed from what I can tell on the outside. 

Identify a distressed property that meets my criteria.  

I have had ZERO luck with listing agents on distressed properties.      

If you are the labor force then I cant see you rehabbing 2 properties at once.Currently I have suspended my investing while we are rehabbing a distressed property we bought and plan to move into.

People keep telling me that around here that is really for "developers" and I guess I don't rate yet (though I'd like to someday :))The problem is the market is so hot up here, it seems like the only way I can find a deal that supports my goals is with fixing up more distressed properties that haven't sold right away, so I'm struggling with the best way to use my available capital.