Your question is a bit scattered but I'll give it a shot.A short sale is possible while the homeowner still owns it.

@Brandon LowPersonally, I think you're a little too scattered and unfocused.

Not to mention it’s never a good look for a client to walk the job and see beer bottles scattered around.   

After you get past that question, then on to which state to open the LLC in ... however, in most cases, the analysis doesn't lead most past the first question ... if you are buying a 100 unit apartment building, by all means, open up a LLC ... for a few scattered lower value SFRs, then I personally think there are better ways than a LLC.

There are deals out there to be had as far as I can see it is just scattered and handfuls. 

  :)  All others are scattered around in NJ, CT, NYC, Upstate NY, Philly, and Chicagoland. 

My REI behaviour looks like this:Some might call it erratic, seemingly without purpose and a bit scattered.  

There are plenty of ghost towns scattered all through the west.

I purchased a multi-family where the previous owner had allowed tenants to put satellite dishes up (I think there were 6 total scattered all over the place).

Right now you're scattered.