If you buy it too low, in some jurisdictions they will call it "equity skimming" which is illegal.It can be very profitable, I've done many, but you really need to know what you are doing. on pre foreclosures on the West coast if you happen to do them legally .. the old owner is due 80% of the profit if you sell within 36 months.. so there is that.. but if your buying pre foreclosure for long term hold and wait out the 36 months then your fine. the reality these days is post GFC lenders/ banks/ servicers have realize that working with the buyer to reinstate recast redo the loans is far better than taking it all the way to foreclosure so your correct its usually the worse houses that make it all the way to the end and go to sale.thats why if you follow NODs  Notice of defaults or whatever they are call in your state. you see so many postponements and or removed or paid off etc.. so you hone in on one property do all this work only to have it not go  to sale  rarely are you going to buy a home that you really want LOL

Legal entities are set up for this purpose.  

Yes it's definitely legal, and I've sold a few this way.

The concern with places like Irvington will be once you move out and no longer owner occupy how do you raise rents legally.   

what are the laws in CO regarding unlicensed wholesalers tying up property advertising it and collecting a fee at closing is that even legal in that state. ???

This is a big legal issue that may weigh in favor of the investor. 

—namely, Isaac Winkles, reporting companies for which Isaac Winkles is the beneficial owner or applicant, the National Small Business Association, and members of the National Small Business Association (as of March 1, 2024)—are not currently required to report their beneficial ownership information to FinCEN at this time.This email is not intended to provide legal advice or serve as a substitute for legal research to address specific situations.

I use this for tax and insurance which all properties have)Expenses (general business like admin/legal and by unit for repairs, trash, utilities...)EBITDA (earnings before interest/taxes/depreciation/amortization.

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

When you add up legal fees, lease fees, loss of rent, etc. it can add up.