Great point Kristine, I didn't even consider the fact that the property could be bought by a third party at auction!

Hello all,I'm counting on some advice and help with q's here, as I'm committed to attending my 1st tax deed auction in upstate NY (Catskill, Hudson R. area) on Sept. 11.

I saw 2 of those lots being auction at the trustee sale last April for the HOA liens.

@Ned Carey made several good points.You can look at REI like the used car business to try to solve the seller's problem, that is buy cheap as in the "car auction", ORyou can learn all the techniques that work well, like sub2, cfd, wrap, lease option, straight option, etc.You do not need cash to buy/control houses, just a flexible seller and give them choices that benefit them.You do need to be able to present viable solutions to the seller in person, so you need to avoid agents - MLS, and market direct mail - Craigslist for deals direct to the seller.

A couple of places to look areLocal REIAThe sheriff/courthouse auctionProperty auctions listed in newspaperNeighborhoods where you see contractors repairing housesVisit those places and talk to the people there who are buying especially the ones who didn't win a bid.

I am heading to my one and only auction this week prepared to bid.

Its been on the market for several months but they must not have had any luck.Question:The property is now in auction, beginning at half the value mine was recently appraised at.

It's getting harder and harder for cash buyers to jump on the MLS, REO or auction sites and have their pick of the top deals.

Your own buyers list and marketing or an auction is the best way to sell investor properties.Good luck - Ned

Is it too late for short sale or would I have to buy it at auction or as a REO?