Just one additional option.  

Additionally, I have $100,000 in cash in the bank, and my monthly expenses for my home and family are around $3,500.My wife earns between $100,000 and $120,000 from her W2 job, while I've recently lost my job but found a new one that pays $65,000 a year.

In addition, due to the 2 of 5 year rule there often is no need.  2) you cannot 1031 a property that has not been put into service to be an investment property 3) you cannot 1031 a flip.  

Additionally, the price point is still cheap enough to find the 1% rule and positive cash flow and there's amazing appreciation potential.

In addition, the gas bills have shut off notices and are not being paid. (3 units are occupied and utilities are all paid by owner).

This doe t mean that the poster is someone in cohorts or a “supporter” of the person, business or methodology you claim defrauded you.Based on my posts in the other thread on the same topic, I have been receiving emails providing additional information purported to show proof of fraud, though I have NO WAY of verifying it.  

Additionally, how many calls does it typically take you to successfully close a deal using this approach?

If you do call them best case scenario you get the listing, sell their home and end up with some additional buyer clients that did not end up buying this particular house.

This practice also frees up more money for lenders to use to fund additional mortgages.In "non-conforming loan" world, anything goes.

With the potential for strong cash flow, appreciation, and inflation protection, real estate remains a powerful addition to any diversified portfolio.What Do You Think?