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.

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. 

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?

Perhaps printing that document helps them out while they are in a bind that allows them to turn in that paper that gets them that better job making more money, or win a scholarship, or.... 

To win, talk to locals, analyze the market, and ke­ep learning.

Photos and anything else that would help me win the case.I would recommend you do the same and I told the tenant if they do not cause damage to the property or appeal once I won then they could get the full security deposit back.Hope it goes well!

Find a flat fee service that offers free call forwarding so buyers are able to connect with you instantly.6.

See where your max bid matched up to the winning bid. 

Don't assume that because you win a judgement you will get money.

I considered one exit strategy if this doesn’t work after a couple years, which would involve selling fractional shares of the unit while keeping half of them myself in hopes, the sale of the fractional shares would offset the existing mortgage and maybe put us in a winning position.