I live in San Diego, a very expensive market and I am just about to get started to invest in RE.

TONS of great RE people in the area and on the site, just gotta make networking a habit! 

Hoping that the brain power of the masses can assist in providing me with some clarity.We have been going through the process of doing a short sale on a ski condo in Colorado and arrived all the way to the closing table to discover that the HOA had not accepted the short payment that the seller's agent had indicated and as such was demanding that the short sale be re-approved with the HOA getting more of what they are due or else they will continue with the foreclosure process. 

Anchorage is multi-family heavy for owner occupants and investors...so they tend to take decent care of them...at least enough to not get foreclosed on or so run down they cannot resell close to market value.I would encourage you to connect with MULTIPLE RE Investing friendly  agents and let them know what you're looking for.

I think I would suck at being a RE broker.

Hello @Olivia DeMarco,I am in RE sales and leasing.

Congrats on getting started on your RE journey.

Is it cost-effective to have a RE attorney draw up the contract/paperwork to protect my interests, and kinda help me navigate? 

I realize on a standard demand form it would have been more precise re: interest from x date to closing. 

My goal today: gain experience / knowledge / skills / network in the RE business.