Downtown district is so expensive but Gulf Hills is a little better and seems like a good bet, especially with the new owner of the GH Hotel. 

If I can help someone in the military while at the same time taking care of my family thats a big win win.

I flipped my own house with a REALLY massive remodel (even changed layout and added a third floor) in 2008 and cleared $50k on that after the crash.  I've been on the verge of investing in rentals several times since ...

Strategically done, it's definitely a "win/win". 

Rare do you win going at it alone.

Some may see this as targeting people in a financially low position, but if I am helping them sell a property that they cannot afford the taxes on, and putting cash in their hand, I see that as a win win.

After reading How to Win Friends and Influence People, it’s been really interesting to see the recurring theme that people love to tell their story and when they feel heard, they open up and are willing to help others.

Best bet is to just collect all the information and make your own decision.

Typically when you “win an auction and had to place EM” it is an REO, and typically the selling bank pays off any existing liens.

@Peter Amendola excel/google sheets is your best bet.