One comp sale triggered my Spidey senses when it sold at bottom low prices cash offer, only to be resold short time later for $50k+ without ever being listed on MLS or any other web places. 

From the research that I have seen done and with the clients I work with non performing and performing notes are a solid bet. 

Traditional brokers are not creative and they don't understand these things.Best bet, try and find an independent agent or search for "Flat Fee MLS  your area" and get a local guy.  

Mike hasn't been back yet, I'd bet he understands the points I was making above.Steve, predatory practices are not necessarily avoid by showing you tried to work out an existing loan, the attempt may not even apply to other factors.

@Chris Bingham Your best bet is Levelquik and you can find it at a big box store.

I have some reservations about even going to these meetings just based on what I have seen in other articles on the web about this guru, but there may be networking opportunities that I may not get in other places.

Hope you are listening to the podcast - Josh and Brandon are fantastic - as well the amazing guests.I live in the Bay area also but invest almost entirely out of state in Texas and Midwest.I think it's a much safer bet to do real estate outside of California due to positive cash flow and avoid the crazy roller coaster ride of California real estate market.

I am out of country until summer but will see if I can find the web sites as you mentioned.

As much currency as has been printed, their bet is that the rates won't go up much.  

Your last paragraph was very important as I learn about buy and holds…don't bet on appreciation.