If they havent called by then they either arent motivated or you havent quite convinced them yet.I got a list of 160 names (absentee owners/vacant properties over 20yrs old) sent them got 4 call backs (no motivated seller=no sale) and they go to my google voice with a friendly message asking them to leave a name and num so if i cannot help them i dont waste time sending to them again and i can take them off my list.

You can also find motivated sellers where prices will be at larger discount, instead of using the market priced MLS.Remember:  Every deal is different and unique.

I think it depends on what you are trying to achieve and how you plan on achieving those goals. 

I joined the site, because I want to surround myself with people who want to better themselves and I hope I can one day achieve my dream of getting out of the rat race and into the mission field.

Very similar to that of Than Merrill and his team who appear to be great guys but may have other financial motives.

my question(s) are about the general actual transaction of the deal...say for finding a motivated seller, making an offer and buying the property.1) would you guys recommend i have an agent on board to do these types of deals? 

Greetings BP Fam,I am considering growing my business. Increasing my marketing efforts will result in the need for more everything but I will really need help screening callers. Furthermore, it is something that I wou...

I will say having a willing seller that wants to short sale and has a motivation to do so is beneficial.  

If you have to use FHA and live in a property for a year before you can sell it, then 20 properties in 5 years does not seem like an achievable goal. 

Did I achieve any increase in value, no.