I also have seen deals where I did make money, but the choices I made were incorrect and I could have made even more.Keep getting out and networking.

Yes, Zillow can provide you with data that may be helpful to you, however read their disclaimer "Our data sources may be incomplete or incorrect" therefore connecting with a Realtor who has access to the MLS and or appraisal tools will be your best bet.

Highest bid above the reserve price is selectedSeveral things are incorrect in your post.

Please contact me if I can be of any help to you.By the way my email is incorrect on the bottom of the post not sure why I changed it on the [email protected]

The new appraisal came back at the purchase price and 3 months later I am still trying to get them to understand the issues I had with their appraiser- incorrect data on one of the comps, and using a property that was converted from a book store to an apartment after the sale.  

The problem is when people calculate them incorrectly and/or apply them inappropriately. 

However I could be incorrect I don't claim to know everything or much at all :)I respect your right to defend SOCAL.

The admins are pretty good about redirecting posts if you put them in the incorrect places. 

INCORRECT), and do enough research.

I quickly found the QI in MA don't know about the quirks of PA real estate local laws.