@Tom Kuhen You're allowed to pick your own contractor to work on a 203K loan. 

Looks like a cash-buyer, even though the listing Agent requested Homepath 203K buyers to pick it up.

The downside to Stockton is that it's not as desirable area as Sacramento (obviously), so the people migrating from the Bay Area who can't afford Sacramento will be forced to pick Stockton instead.

There are a million ways to get deals, you just need to pick a method and devote everything you've got to it.

As far as strategy there are a bunch but one I have used successfully is picking a market in transition and developing a direct mail campaign focusing on a limited area.

Good morning,We are seeking a Broker seasoned in distressed residential investment properties to verify the ARVs of 8 houses we are picking up for renovation jobs.

I'm sure you have good network events in your area as well.Not to advertise, but pick up j Scott estimating rehab book or something equivalent.

We have the local stores actually doing our shopping for us, discounting the items and then making arrangements with our maintenance team to come and pick up the material. 

I look forward to picking everyone's brain when I dive headlong into this and helping out when I can as well.

The only thing I can do is send a letter to the address and hope someone picks up the mail.