i then purchase the house from them at a 25% discount, while fully informing them that the house is priced under current market value and they sell it to me for whatever reason (behind on payments, closing on a second home cuz they're moving...whatever).now scenario 2 is CERTAINLY better (more ethical) than scenario 1.

It's about the same except he speaks ethically on what to do and don't do.

Ultimately what matters is the value of the building - if you have enough to support/justify your treatment of the amount at issue - go with that.

Overall, while I got some value from this (and I'd say it was worth my $495 given the basic knowledge), I did leave very frustrated with the approach and seriously question the ethics of the company and its instructors.

Jay,It sounds like you've got a good plan, and being in that business should put you in a position to make some great contacts, and to come across some awesome deals.The only area I would be concerned about, and this applies to ANYONE working in the real estate field as a professional of any kind, is the area of ethics.

Many times people find acting like they don't know the answers (or avoiding minor calculations to get the answers because they know they will get an unfavorable number) less ethically challenging than lying.

Or does this not matter because of their code of ethics?

Further, we are bombarded by not so ethical or sound propositions on this site on a daily basis.

He smugly disguised it as an ethical way to compensate a seller in a short sale.I will now stop my grandstanding on the subject but I hope you and anyone else reading this, will see my point.....The homeowner cannot profit from a short sale on the HUD-1 or under the table or anywhere else.

I figure you would understand about dealing with ugly people given some of your stories plus your work ethic.