I am pretty laid back and people tend to open up to me, they often tend to overshare and get weeded out which is a plus. 

I tend to even take an additional 10-20% off of that number as well. 

Keep in mind that appraisers tend to only get negative reviews online.

An added bonus which I tend to look out for my deals is the ability to add value to the home by fixing it up, etc.That way you are buying a property with "low" purchase price and low interest but by the time it is fixed up you should hopefully be in a situation where it is worth more and you have refinanced for a low rate.

Yes they tend to be variable rates the one I used before was a much lower rate.

My family thought I was nuts!  

They tend to be expensive, but are desirable as rentals and generally appreciate well.

The upside tends to cover the downside and they overall do well.

So there are added risks with them that are not present with your standard REO purchase.I think those terms tend to scare away your average non-investor buyer.I think they have a sample contract on their site. 

So even if you pick a state with stronger protections like WY or NV, the cause of action arose in the state where the tenant fell, so likely that the court where the accident happened would have jurisdiction.California tends to have more laws on the books and requirements and restrictions that it can be a good idea to form a CA LLC for out of state property so that you as a CA resident are covered, and to try to have your contracts fall under the purview of CA courts.