Pay attention to how professional and transparent they are.Avoid Pressure Tactics: Scammers often pressure you to act quickly.

Rent rates have increased so quickly over the last few years.

Foreclosure isn't something that happens quickly, so she's had a free ride for a while and time to get her affairs sorted.Cash for keys doesn't take long. 

Quote from @Samuel Garnatz: Hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday and wanted to make a quick introduction!

If I can get around this situation, it would be worth carrying some costs for a couple months but if eviction prolongs, a good deal will go bad quick.

You learn what you can as quickly as possible, and start implementing.

And if you are not in a position to refi quickly or cash out the loan then you too take on a risk.. thats it thats the whole enchilada when it comes to sub 2.

The best investors can spot opportunities quickly because they know the landscape inside and out.

My property manager called (I live in Denver) and told me they got it turned off pretty quickly, but a whole wall's worth of drywall was damaged. 

I found the son on Facebook and sent a quick intro giving my condolences, expressed my interest in purchasing the property, and provided my phone # in case he decides to follow up.I'm in the process of preapproval with a couple lenders, and have reached out to a couple realtors in my area to see which may be a good fit.