I say within the first couple years because if they've gone five years and then go bad (that seems to be about how long it takes from the foreclosure documents I've been sifting through) you've collected $14,500 from the down payment and mortgage payments so unless the place is gutted you'll be able to rehab and sell again, perhaps even at a profit.

You just have to sift through it and take away what's good common sense.

I'd sift through the forums trying to find a response but if there is a deal time is of the essence...I went driving for dollars just getting a feel for my market and I found a house that looked vacant, upon closer inspection, I saw a past due water notice on the door.

Like any real estate platform one wants to build, you need to create a simple filter to sift the opportunities.  

Welcome to BP :)   Always great to see another Atlantan on here.Definitely pay attention to the crime maps on Trulia when sifting through properties such as Washington Park or West End...  

I think this is a great way to sift through all of the NO responses and get to a YES. 

After getting some information they give you multiple quotes from lenders and you can then sift through them.

I was constantly bombarded with people left and right trying to rent my last two places, and honestly after sifting through less than 10 applicants I've been able to place two families with zero issues (knock on wood) so far.Using the City Auditor tool it seems the owner has many more properties throughout and is liquidating everything. 

(I leave that one to the forum)I estimate I have to sift through 25 properties before I find one that meets my broad criteria.

Do you think that it could make your life easier if you could find good deals without sifting through tons trash properties?