My plan has been to take up sales so that my work ethic has a direct impact on how much income I make.

I'm an Illinois realtor but unfortunately don't live or work near the city so wouldn't be able to assist you directly, but I do have a colleague in the area that I believe would be able to help you greatly.

We do allot of creative structures so feel free to call me directly and I am more than happy to brainstorm this out with you.  

We do alot of marketing here at my company, and although we do Direct Mail, I would say it could use some work. 

This will open the door for you to negotiate with the seller in a more direct sense but the agent still have the duty to disclose.

As noted in the wiki cited, it fails easily and the only real solution is total replacement - - all the way to the city main. 

Just want to know what's more effective as far as using direct mail, or handwritten letters.

@Nicholas Reece, I've got a waaaaaay easier solution for you.60 day lock on the cash out refinance.

I spoke to them today and was told their REO department was shut down and they don't know who to direct me to regarding their REO's on res.net.  

They actually had a tenant in the basement during their 2nd flood, and their solution was to move the tenant up to the 1st floor since it was already conveniently vacant.