Keep in mind that the auction process is just part of the legal requirements for the lender's collection activity of last resort - and that the auction process is somewhat designed so that the lender can "solve" some of the issues by following proper procedures (for example, IRS liens can be left with just a redemption period if proper notice is given to the USA that a foreclosure will happen and extinguish the IRS lien).

Make sure you are protected with a recorded mortgage, that the property the mortgage is recorded on is worth more than you loaned, and that the property is properly insured.

#5 As noble as it is to give proper notice, I will not hold a unit empty that long.  

If so, make SURE that the home is wired properly to be safe when they overload the circuit.If it were me, I would accommodate it, but I live in GA and am biased when it comes to A/C.

They did all of the loan calculations wrong, did not transfer money paid at closing to set up the escrow account, and then sold my loan to Suntrust, claiming I was in arrears when they had not properly credited  money I had paid at closing to set up the escrow account.

While you're right that a lender isn't going to make a conditional commitment with no specific property CRITERIA, a good lender will help sort through some scenarios and help you determine your qualifying amount in each.From the sellers perspective, I think it really comes down to not wanting to waste the energy of getting the home shown (which, in a lot of cases with multi-family properties, includes giving the proper notice to tenants) unless they know the person seeing it is actually capable of purchasing it.On your end though, speaking with a lender will also help you avoid wasting any time looking at properties that simply won't work.Feel free to reach out with any more questions!

If you're busy like we are, the podcasts are worth their weights in gold.

^^^I'm a mf broker here in the Inland Empire, which obviously isn't LA proper, but I have clients who purchase throughout the Greater LA metro area.

Really wanted to, but at least I learned how to properly board up windows!

Except that, there is no issue with Realtors using the mail with proper disclosures.