He said even driving to pick up the rent check doesn't count (the driving part doesn't count), but picking up the check does (how long does that take?

Now for how to pick the market, well that's simple.

Most current foreclosure starts today, do not end up going to saleWhile not an exact correlation, housing foreclosures vs foreclosures starts, the few foreclosures that complete under the present circumstances, makes it very slim pickings in the foreclosure space. 

If you are not coming in cash and you plan to hold for five or more years, its the best time to pick up a property at a steep discount and make it work until the cycle turns again.  

My permits are ready for pick up and it’s been 13 months since giving 5 percent deposit.

Some of the materials we choose and asked him to pick up (such as flooring) he replaced with low quality materials, I assume to keep more of our money for himself. 

When they go on sale, I post them here but I pick some up.Coffee makers (broken carafes) and waffle makers.

Pick 2-4 locations, get no more than about 6 deep in any but no less than 2 deep.

All of the rooms should have locks on them (and they shouldn't unlock unless the correct code is entered) and if one of them picks a lock to go in a vacant room, that should be automatic lease violation and eviction. 

Pick one, but pull the trigger.