If nothing else, this thread has caused me pause to reanalyze some of my previous thoughts.

I hope you all paused for at least a couple of hours this three day weekend and had some barbecue or a little bit of beach time. :-)I am currently seeking a general contractor with a full or virtually full crew.

@Ben Leybovich  My advise is more of a "pause" strategy and not an exit one but who knows, It might cure your "itch to exit" :)    Not knowing your exact situation, but I still totally understand  your views on not wanting to take on any additional hassle and risk unless is worth your time and hassle.

All occupied units , but mo. to mo. for 3 of 4 tenants.I also found a police call from 3 months ago for drugs on the police blotter that gives me further pause.

But for now, everything is on hold and the foreclosure numbers reflect that pause.

Kris - I think you are right to pause.

Telling an idiot who is about to break the law and screw over a seller to pause for a minute, and not screw over a seller, that's not "naysaying."

Adversely, if you are winning bids along the lines of 40% returns, in example, you should pause and ask yourself if you are taking on excessive risks.  

You might not get actual answers to your questions, but the pauses, intonation and confidence in the REO agent's voice usually tell you more honestly what the situation is than what the actual words are anyway.

I've thought about investing in Baltimore, but the large stock of vacant buildings gives me pause.