More hoops, more paperwork, less flexibility with REOs.Can get better deals if you play the game right.

Back when I was in elementary I learned how to play the violin.

All one can do is play the game with the bank and keep upping the score.

Everyone involved is probably going to play stupid about the necessary repairs, so play the game - you're a "retail" buyer, and golly-gee, you were just befuzzled by that inspector's report, and those repair estimates, but you need those repairs done for your banker, and the seller needs to kick in.

BB,don't focus so much on this one particular house.find 5 a week - put some "escape" clauses in each - like "subject to partners approval" and "...attorney approval".put offers out and play the numbers game.if the agent doesn't stay with you because he's sick of writing up "useless" binders, then move on.

The only way around this is to play the game of trying to find good, honest, dependable contractors who dont charge what theyre worth.  

Here's what I tell new people about investing...the why or why not to play the assignment game.

Unless you have the ability to secure a purchase contract with an Earnest Money Deposit and POF, then I would play the role of a Bird Dog and pass this on to an experienced wholesaler for a fee of $500 - $1,000. 

But the short sale vs. foreclosure decision still comes into play.  The

I think your best bet to get Seller down in asking price is to play the CMHC card.