So, that tells me that this will continue to be a messy, painful process until its played out.There was another thread related to this, "hidden REOs".

I avoid attempting to have any hidden experses.

They are younger and were just getting started and weren't sure how to market themselves, so occasionally you can nab some gems.

I am new to real estate investing, so I had to get an education, and what a gem I stumbled upon when I found this site.

You are a gem!

You especially have to know how to run the numbers and understand the hidden costs.Make great deals.

And while they are fighting and scrapping and spending time chasing that hot deal, I am hunting for those "hidden" deals.The deal that I now have under contract is a great example.

He charges me hardly anything (sometimes just a trip fee) because he loves to haul what he thinks is hidden treasure.

It costs a little more but our fee is "hidden" Of course if the people want to see the original price it is public info on the county auditors website.However, most investors are fine with the fee as they are getting a deal brought to them as opposed to having to find their own deals.I find that only owner occupants and/or first time investors might be leary of the assignment fee.

Perhaps they have assets (like this $7000) that they have hidden from the lender.IMHO even with a cash deal everything should appear on the HUD-1.