My goal would be to have about 60K total to put into something.

These plans call for six blocks, with buildings totaling 2.5 million mixed-use square feet, and a renovated 14.2 acres of open space with brand-new amenities and improved access.

I've been mulling it over and trying to articulate to myself what I'm really looking for and I guess what I've most recently settled on is if a deal works that will give me better total return for the money and the time, then I'll call it a good deal.

Totally up to you but let us know what you go with! 

@Jonathan Greene I totally agree. 

Totally agree @Robin Simon.

@Jonathan Greene @Jay Hinrichs @Nicholas L. short sales are almost always done through RE agents and are a major pain the butt if the lender servicer wont respond in a timely fashion.Pre foreclosure you dont use and agent but if your talking NY I think and not totally sure but I think only an attorney can draft the Deed transfering title .

Also appreciate your doing it to encourage others.  1) Totally understand where your coming from.

That's that's interesting, so if Matt invested$500 over a 60 month period, he would see a total of $300 income from his investment.

My figures are below.TaxDeed Winning Bid: $489.00 (My Bid May 2013)Property Clean-up: $450.00 (mowing, trash removal)Taxes & Insurance: $80.00 (2013 & 2014)Sale Advertising: $130.00 (Signage, Newspaper Ads, etc)Filings & Legal Fees: $245.00 (Deed, Lien Releases, Sales Agreement Docs)Total Costs: $1395 (approx)Sold for: $3250.00 (August 2014)That is better than the 25% I would have received if the property was redeemed during the redemption period.