Most are reluctant, but they might listen to reason.A seller that just received a notice has a various number of ways to stop the process: bring the loan current, temporary repayment plan, refinance it if they can, sell the house, and a few others.If you get them to agree to sell you the home and they don't have equity, then it will be a shortsale and the lender will have to agree to the sales price.

Then all the temporary friend tenants you have moved in leave allowing you to sell the property vacant.

Once you tsrat going back further in time you find people who have bought their home in a market with lower price points than today - they are emotionally more open to accepting your offer.While you are on your quest to the perfect list keep this in mind:"Ready, aim, FIRE" works better in most combat situations than "Ready, aim, aim, aim, aim, aim,..."

I'm learning quickly that I can't get emotionally attached to the gems. 

Be aware of the emotion you are expressing - eagerness to buy now before something happens (interest rate rise).

First, it's good that you are hungry but know that in real estate you do not get rich overnight and, unless you are real lucky, it is more long term and your wealth takes a while and you need to display patience and responsibility while you are around it,  Be aware of all the crooks that are on the internet to take advantage of people that are too emotional when it comes to spending your money.You might be strong but expect failures in real estate and keep on going and make other things keep on going.  

As there is no emotion involved, you can just keep making offers until something sticks without sullying the deal by low-balling.Good luck.

No frills, no emotion.

I purchased a 14 acre property ten years ago, and used it for our school as a temporary residence. 

Also, emotionally it can be challenging..."