I wouldn't think you could get a short sale done in a couple of weeks....If you can get an offer prepared and into the bank with the proper paperwork to get the short sale process started, the bank is likely to put off the foreclosure for some period of time (60-120 days) while the offer is considered by the asset manager.

My fear is too much press and hype will bring more ill-prepared investors into the arena and drive up prices.

I would think a lot of brokers would be clamoring over you.Perhaps my perspective is skewed living in a place where new agents get about 50 mailings and emails per week from brokerages that are looking to recruit...I guess stronger markets are different.Have you spoken with smaller agencies who have more of a niche...for example, those that specialize in new construction or investors?

Any special criteria?

For years I had a few builders that specialized in in-filling, sometimes the adjacent lot owner was a good prospect because it increased the options to that owner, sometimes I was able to use the lot as a down payment on something else or able to have that owner use it to buy something else, so if you can get an option for $10 at a good price it's a cheap gamble.

I I paid special attention to the speakers in the subjects that were going to be covered.

Be prepared for them to call the line.

The only expense would've been taking a little bit longer to become self-sufficient, but I certainly would suggest that to all the young investor starting out now.I feel that I have done everything I can to be prepared financially for the ups and downs in the economy and if you research previous posts and threads that I have entered into you will understand my thought process and hopefully the methods to my madness!

We live in California, but do all of our investing out of state using real estate agents who specialize in selling to investors.

You have to use at least a Special Warranty Deed and preferably a General Warranty Deed or they won't insure the title.