(Or at least make sure you keep a stream of income that supports you going until you have at least doubled that income consistently and preferably with cashflow not one time deals.)The biggest killer of your business is desperation!!

If you they know you or the other party are desperate then you have very little leverage.That being said, let's find out why the ARV is off by so much

I am desperately trying to buy a foreclosed home in Massachusetts but have had no luck since it has not hit the market yet.

I'm almost to the point where I'm feeling a little desperate and I'm debating if I should just buy a property anyway, simply betting on the fact that the property will appreciate over time when sold in several years, and not focus so much on the monthly cash flow I could receive if I found a good deal. 

I guess that comes from being desperate or lack of knowledge, or both.So, for those hell bent in getting involved in an area they have no clue about;Don't target advertising at folks in default, advertise as if you had no clue that someone might be having difficulties.

Trying to convert a lead via DMM will make you look shady and desperate.

They have no concept of predatory dealing, lack business ethics, don't mind bending rules or skirting laws or even breaking them.And, many newbies are naïve, they want to believe, some are desperate to make money, which goes to the above willing to do things that aren't kosher, if they are told it's easy, this is all you need to know, that it's simple, they take that hook, line and sinker.If you lack a basic business education, you aren't really in business, you're into pulling deals, an operator, a wheeler-dealer that has a self made job.

You also have a much better chance at appreciation on the place.Like I recently bought a house in PA for ~$18K all in, 10 years ago at the top of the bubble maybe it would have gone for like $20K and at the bottom maybe $15K if they weren't desperate.

Then instead of appearing like a desperate panic stricken newbie who is begging for a buyers, you'll just make a few phone calls and send a few emails to an already established list of people.It works as sure as 2+2=4.

A good way to find the wholesalers is to think like a "desperate" seller.