This is quite an appealing property type for investors because it has so many possibilities.What other trends do you see coming onto the forefront or growing in popularity?

That's also my bet as a good attorney wouldn't be suggesting what you have posted above, IMO.I suggest you not even get into Contract For Deeds, that will just blown off this site.Again, welcome to BP, might be a good idea to catch the flavor of this site before blasting in as an expert in any financing matter.

I'm betting a lot of money this is how it works :-)

Bakersfield, I can't say for sure but of the 3, I'd say that is your better bet.

I know that this will not be the popular answer, but I have purchased 100+ HUDs and have never purchased title insurance.

(A pretty popular way to do it here on BP)While getting your feet wet in addition to educating yourself and building a network here on BP (Which is a great start!)

The vacancy could be high for many reasons, such as: 1) High rent/deposit or screening criteria 2) Poorly advertised to potential business owners 3) No popular stores or business types that might attract regular customers e.g. chinese eatery, nail spa, pizza place, pawn shop, liquor store

The links at the very bottom may be the best bet.

You will not lose...it's like betting on green and green already came up.

I bet that your buyer on that one figured the ARV to be more like $130K and the repairs at closer to $10K (Assuming that your assessment of what needed to be done is close) and that gives you a MAO of just over $80K.It seems super unlikely you are presenting any deals that have $60K profit in them.