So it seems the juice is worth the squeeze for me.

The juice probably isn't worth the squeeze in small claims court.

I think the heavy foliage and numerous fruit trees are a constant food source that keeps them around. 

Definitely sounds like you are not the low-hanging fruit.

I know it's harder than the mindset I'm in right now, but shouldn't I just borrow what I need to demo/build (roughly $1.5m) from someone who has capital lying around, and pay that back (of course with interest/juice/premium, whatever you may call it) upon completion of the project?

Interested in opinions on whether its more fruitful to attempt to make deals on properties pre-foreclosure or if it is better off too purchase in auction when the bank is trying to sell it?

As interest rates continue to climb and cap rates continue to decline, I am finding it harder and harder to have fruitful conversations with owners and investors that lead to quality real estate deals being done.

You have to decide if the juice is worth the squeeze.One other thing to keep in mind- sometimes those upgrades can add very little in rent premiums, but they may create a good deal of equity, which you could leverage and turn in to cash flow in another property.

As interest rates continue to climb and cap rates continue to decline, I am finding it harder and harder to have fruitful conversations with owners and investors that lead to quality real estate deals being done.

My first mistake:Don't be swayed by realtors trying to juice you on price based on "hot" markets.