In CA, the buyer's vesting must be presented in offer.What added value do you think you offer on a sale that's known to public, probably in MLS and published in newspaper? 

If they don't have their garbage out and the house is rundown/newspapers everywhere/lawn hasn't been mowed etc you probably have a vacant property. 

It's a bit risky in the beginning (CoC return of ~0.30%) but it provides the opportunity for a double digit cash-on-cash return after the first year if I raise the rent (10.78% w/ Unit 2 as a 1 bedroom, 14.76% w/ Unit 2 as a 2 bedroom). 

You could also have you person on the ground get the contract signed or you could have the seller signed digitally.    

The electric company told me that they will send out a tech to install a new meter (digital), and connect the electric.

Adding up all the down payments, rehabs, additions, etc. we are probably getting close to a 7-digit number ... on my way out this afternoon with the intention of spending another 25K ... and then there is the never ending distressed apartment dance which may turn out to be an expensive lesson all on its own.

HAHA that's true I feel this way when I call newspaper to stop delivery between 12/22 to 1/2 when I got visit my parents I was thinking it's like announcing you are going to be vacant during the holidays.

Borrow my money and you will pay double digits in interest and pay massive points.

You can find them by driving around and finding them(look for a lockbox on the door but no sign in the yard, tall grass, no window coverings, piled up newspapers, etc.)Once you find the properties, then you have to mail a letter to the owner of that property.

Hi people, Found a property listed in the legal section of our newspaper, around the corner from my house, at the time of auction foreclosed on by First Bank.I went to the courthouse steps and placed a bid, was the high bidder.