I'm chasing a career in real estate, and I'm looking to meet investors in the area.

Another reason returns are so low is people are chasing yields.  

I'd rather not mention the specific banks I use but I will tell you that I only approached small local / regional banks (not Chase, Wells Fargo, etc.)

I sometimes make an exception because the city requires them to complete an application in person and out-of-area renters can't do that until they arrive, which may be on a weekend or holiday.I used to give tenants a week to provide proof but I was spending far too much time chasing them down when they forgot.

., the bidding period can last months....That gives you time to get a contract and redeem the property (pay lender entire amount due)....more or less, you can watch bids and see if bidding is high enough for you to chase owner for a contract

I learned it is all meaningless and a chasing of the wind.Success= a progressive realization of a worthy ideal.

I don't chase or try to squeeze blood from turnips or whisper sweet nothings into my own ear.  

Funny thing is, when you try to get them to cut to the chase and tell you how much it's gonna cost, they act offended!  

To cut to the chase, if any lenders are willing to work out a deal with me, please contact me and i would like to meet you personally and explain what our future can hold.

It's that exact attitude that caused much of the financial crisis.There is nothing wrong with going slow, using your own money and buying value not chasing a 'hot market'.