I am sure some will do it with phone and e mail etc.. but I suspect they miss the best deals.Just like top wholesalers they have buying agents when a lead comes in that buying agent is over to the house and meeting with the folks ASAP so they can lock it up.. if they are non owner occ then yes this is different but now your talking about investors as sellers different mind set .  

There has been zero engagement without me taking the initiative with regards to the process leading up to the foreclosure sale.  

I've only ever sent out an offer like that once, and that was to a preforeclosure lead that refused to discuss the property, instead telling me "that's not how real estate works, just make me an offer".  

I’ve been working probate leads here in San Diego for some time and your words are right on point…lot of time for sometimes little to no return. 

If there's a family member or friend in a similar situation, and you can both align on the initial plan (location, home type, price, usage/occupancy, etc) you can pretty easily get a co-ownership agreement in place and even a joint mortgage.The benefit here is it might open up your ability to buy a larger place in a nicer area which could lead to a faster rate of appreciation and overall better living environment. 

Changes to local landlord/tenant laws and new situations involving tenants lead to these annual updates.

In addition to risk, there is also salary cost the teams leading the renovations, leasing, sales, etc, and if applicable an assignment fee to a wholesaler that you will also not find in any public records.

Unfortunately, there are times when being accommodating and making exceptions can lead tenants to take advantage of the situation.

However, that will likely lead to increased turnover and increased vacancy time in between tenants.

We wouldn't be looking to start this project until the spring so I'm giving myself a lot of lead since I am a newbie.