Everyone has different methods for identifying these, but typically you want to look for low cost of living relative to the US as a whole, strong long term job growth outlook, and a pro business attitude, among other factors.

Only the homeowners accountant could really identify insolvency after the short sale is complete.I THINK investment properties are harder to get a zero deficiency on but maybe that's a myth.

Well, it Saturday and I cannot expect promptness, but do you see the pattern?

(I pay roughly 1% of the U.S. price for drugs manufactured by the same U.S. company when I buy in India.)Back to the main subject of the thread, I think the reasons for our relative decline include many factors as all of you have identified.

If you are able to identify a "good deal" put an offer on it - forget the short sale/foreclsoure stuff - and if all checks out buy it.

Even if you do get away with it the first time it establishes a pattern of lies and deceit which will eventually trip you up.

If you are not going to be involved during that stage, you can try to ask for $50K for identifying the opportunity and putting all this together.

The pattern I've consistently noted is the, like slot machines, none of those improvements return 100% of the value.

Now I promoted CPA before and know how these things work, but what I didn't understand is why the agent identified himself as a part of the governmental agency....

Great discussion.Touched on but not identified as a key point in What does a Realtor look for in an investor?