Search for them, They are  faster & cheaper.They are very successful in other states though.

Plus many logisticaly closing problems with buying and closing a day before the auction re getting a decent title search, the pay off to the bank to stop the auction. 

We have narrowed our search to two areas: Kingston/Hurley and Hudson/Catskill.

:D After reading a few of Brandon Turner's suggestions it sounds like I need to connect with buyers in the area and really get to know their preferences, buy boxes, contracts etc. 

I have noticed while searching the Fannie Mae site there is very limited foreclosure inventory, especially in Washington State where I am interested in living. 

For the bankruptcy properties, we contacted the trustee phone numbers on the website, however, they usually just replied to ask us to look for debtor's attorney.For short-sales, we searched the listing on zillow.com, but majority of them are off market.We used BP recommended realtor and asked if they can help with the properties we targeted, the realtor searched for a week of the foreclosure ones and get back to me that she believes she will not be the right partner.

Just do a search for my name.Website, make it credible, and drive people to your website... the RIGHT people, you will do far better, far faster,  than mailers, texts, or calls!

Although a book can't offer that live-networking aspect, i feel Bigger Pockets offers that.So my question is, what is the sentiment around here on paying $5K+ to avoid having to search for all your networking needs. 

Hello Elena, If you go to NARPM.org, you will be able to search residential property management's by city.

I believe you have a 45-day window to shop lenders without having a drastic hit on your credit score.Happy to recommend someone if you're still searching, shooting you a PM.Also, as @Rene Hosman mentioned, there is a service here on BP to link you with lendersAll the best!