Lots of other choices more southeast and lots of stuff north of Boston too. 

YA just remember it would not be smart to do anything with the property until the IRS lien period has expired.For example if you do a clean out and put thousands to tens of thousands in repairs and the IRS decides to redeem you will not be compensated for any of that.

For now, thanks to crowdfunding, you're able to review many opportunities (if you're an Accredited Investor), which makes the learning process a LOT easier than what I went through, as I had to create a large network to find a good volume of opportunities.I think you're being very smart in not jumping into anything before you fully understand it, as there are always many risks to consider and in the end of the day it's imperative to know whether you're invested in an opportunity that has a fair (or perhaps favorable!)

Great choice for renters, because a single damaged plank can be removed and replaced without affecting the entire floor.  

Since you are a first time buyer (Newbie Investor) try NACA it's home buying program that make the home buying process affordable even in NYC, there program offers all type of assistant and their interest rates are always a% lower than whatever the interest rate are.If you decide to go through NACA for your first investment they are not going to allow you to flip,part of the terms is that you must use the property of choice as your primary residence,however you can purchase multifamily.

I want to be weathy and im willing to get there by being smart & not desperate.

Welcome to BP.Try exam smart.

The smart ones work together to avoid situations like this, but its not uncommon for some investors to get shopped the same property by two different wholesalers.

I'm in a (fortunate) position of having a choice to use cash or HELOC in my next purchase.  

Matt I'm really sorry that you're having trouble and I be happy to talk to you on the phoneStaying out of trouble with the real estate commission has to do with full disclosure to the seller and if you're acting agent for you can list it, if you're not acting agent for you can act as a principal, and you can have both those positions in the same conversation when you have a listing appointmentIf seller has a low equity deal listing and they bring cash to closing is one choice, and also is you can offer to buy the property on a wrap or subject to offer that's another choice, and lastly you could facilitate to a wrap buyer for a fee a wraparound mortgage saleNow I will tell you this:  that some brokers don't like anything creative.