So far from my preliminary research Schenectady has shown the most population growth in the region at +6.2% and has a favorable entry price point for multi-units.

My strategy is to put the property under contract to purchase, run a preliminary title report to be sure it can be legally conveyed, and then market it for sale to an end buyer. 

Saying "escrow" can mean that a demand for amounts on account mat require the other party to release the funds by state law, so investigate that issue.

I ask because I keep a comparison chart of real estate crowdfunding investments, and I’m constantly on the lookout for new and innovative platforms that I haven’t investigated yet.

The theory is that faulty power tools caused it, but investigators couldn't confirm this.

-Zoning and Permit Checks: Verifying the property's zoning compliance and investigating any potential permitting requirements or restrictions is crucial.

You can also investigate purchasing through a vacation rental management company.

Here is our checklistWe utilize SEC Reg 504 C as a safe harbor private placement offering so our package consists of1- Private Placement Memorandum2- LLC Operating Agreement3- Subscription Agreement4 - Appraisal (full narrative) performed by an appraiser holding the MAI designation5 - Financial statements and/or projections 6 - survey7 - Preliminary Title Report8 - Investment Opportunity Summary9 - Bio for Managing Partners10 - Previous track record for Managing Partners         If project requires construction or rehab then11- Line Item Bid for construction12- Draw Schedule for escrowed funds13 - Bio for Contractor14- Bond for ContractorAnything less and (1) you won’t be able to attract sophisticated money and (2) you open yourself up to litigation (should deal not live up to expectations) giving up your “statutory defenses”.  

I've been investigating the idea of looking for off-market pre-foreclosure properties specifically, and I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or stories "from the trenches" regarding how to do this successfully and how to avoid any critical pitfalls. 

>>My 2 cents in response: I'd like to see a free preliminary app with some of the most common questions asked during pre-screening.