The appreciation and B+/A- area being under nat'l median household price is a win. 

Consistent content is what wins.

You aren't going to win.

You got the judgment and the win, but the likelihood of collecting is slim to none. 

This, notwithstanding that such a scheme would be illegal in a country like the US for obvious reasons.To your point, if the deals are good and the figures are there, it could be a win-win-win for everyone: the seller, the agent and you.

Over 20 attendees will win!

Unless you got amazing supporting documents from the previous owner (a move-in checklist, pictures of the unit in the prior condition) it could be hard to make a case to keep the deposit.If you do keep the deposit and they file a claim against you and win they could get 3x that security deposit.

At which point in the foreclosure auction process (Let's say once I am the winning bid on the property) do you have to put down an EMD?

Groups like to advertise the "wins" on their websites, but they aren't showing the current losses and deals on the brink of foreclosure.Find an actual person in your market, who has actual and deep experience to partner with on your first few investments. 

I live near Pinehurst, NC and several famous golf courses.