If at all possible, find a way to pay for these right out the gate. 

The property looked abandoned - weeds growing 3 ft high at the security gate and pillars, tree limbs down, driveway lights (3/4 mile driveway) all broken and destroyed due to driving over them. 

First off, I always take an application because telling people they don't qualify right out of the gate reeks of discrimination. 

. :(  However; @Danae Meurer mentioned banking energy, does anyone know of any companies  that do that in California?  

Outside the gated/common area

Purchase: $160,0003 bed, 1.5 bath in Fontana, Southern California1110 sq ft condoTwo Story Unit, patio gated with parking entry, new cabinets with granite counter tops, new stainless steel appliances, new paint, laminated wood flooring, new carpet, new bathroom vanity and toilets, new shower tub, new blinds.

I have just been stuck in this deal right out of the gate and unfortunately have kept my line of credit tied up all this time trying to swim up steam and keep it going as I had hoped to increase my chances of shrinking my loss and move on.

I am currently doing the same thing, colored tags however, now with 3 rentals, shed, gate keys, etc.

Craig, I just joined BiggerPockets and want to say it was nice to read a success story right out of the gate.

When our case was called I went up to the front of the court room and took my place at the Plaintiff’s Table, and Dear Martin started to push the wheel chair with the old lady through the narrow gate leading into the interior where the plaintiffs and defendants stand.