This is a trend that I believe could eventually reverse just as it has in the past, but I'm not sure if my investment timeline is that long or well suited to what is basically speculation.

At that point you are banking on speculation.

It will be different for each person.I am a full time passive investor so I generally do private lending, debt funds and pre-IPO/speculation with the SDIRA. 

I have highly speculative investments which could bring large returns and financial freedom, or go to zero in the next few years. 

Rising property values steadily shrink the pool of potential buyers, thus reducing buyer demand and widening the pool of renters.So, I would expect that rental rates will somewhat decline during the coming transition, and slowly increase as we come out the other side.As for why we may have seen a different trend in 2008, I can only speculate.

A quick look at the MN info and speculation from my side, makes it look like a closing agent is a specific expansion of a notary service for real estate closings, so that isn't likely to help you in wholesaling.

I would check to see if they had a lease signed with the prior landlord, if they did, check the speculations..if it had a no animals clause, there you go..not familiar with MA laws, but in Ca you can give a 3 day notices to cure or quit..which states to get rid of the animals, or vacate the premises..which in short, is the beginning of an eviction..Some can get messy..read up on your local laws..

So this removes many of the would be REO's.I don't know how these investors are making any money on these deals by purchasing at levels above 80% of value, but one of my guesses is that there is a lot of foreign money coming in on speculation for So CAL properties.

Though currently, solely from a cash-flow (not factoring in speculating on appreciation) standpoint, I would be hesitant to take this deal even if I could assume the mortgage without having any money into the deal.

On my speculative investing on want a minimum of 20%.