The IRS requires this (I believe), since they can't be expected to monitor all foreclosure notices and comb them.

I like to let my accountant handle all that otherwise I'd have a head full of gray hairs.

On a side note, I had pipes freeze at one of my units last weekend, I spent two hours on my back in a crawl space with a hair dryer.  

I get tired of variable monthly payments because they try to nail it down to a hair's width.

I could tell it was inconvenient for him to come show the property and they were willing to take any offer to the owner in order to get this out of their hair!

I would recommend sticking to off-market properties, the MLS inventory is combed through daily and nothing sits for longer than a few hours if it's good. 

You are splitting hairs I think.

If you're in a hot market with lots of investors combing the MLS, then make your cash offer with a large EMD, 10 day close (or less) and proof of funds.  

It effectively collects hair etc debris & absorbs staining from oils etc.

So it’s just waiting for a market that may never come while combing every inch of my target area every day while trying to figure out ways to get consistent passive income that’s provable so that I can qualify for a higher mortgage.