I know on a privately owned home I might have more pull, but I am not sure with an REO what the bank would be willing to do.

I bought the property with my aunt's money and had a private mortgage/note drawn up and recorded.

Will you be getting a traditional bank loan or private money?

These are rather extremes.Eventually blocks like these will be torn down by the City's decree so that a private developer can build something of value.

Sometimes you can get an extension for an additional fee.

Even though I don't have experience (we do have three years experience in managing apartments) in real estate investing, should I try to use private/hard money?

I am working on various strategies but I'd really like to grow my understanding of the ins and outs of private money.

I won't be able to make the summit, but private money seems to be a hot topic - perhaps an expert to clear the air of all the requirements to use private money for investing purposes.

First, I would try to get the government out of the private sector, including real estate.

You are also correct,the more they spread the homes into the hands of smaller investors, the more it will mitigate mass movements in the market as each will have their own "plan".What is interesting in reading FHFA findings is that they are pushing for public/private money partnerships, no doubt making Uncle Sam the partial landlord in some grand socialist move.Though Carrington/OakTree just announced $415MM raised & dedicated toward the program.