In the off chance they don't the large upfront cost is supposed to cover any possible losses I believe.

I have 14 going vertical right now. so for 400k or less in capital I have chance to make 600 to 700k for the year off of these deals. and I did not have to fight tooth and nail for a rehabber.. those are the numbers a builder uses see if it will work for you in your market.

Those warmer climate areas due to continued demand have a higher chance of cap rate compressing for equity resale growth in a few years.The areas with low caps already even with quality there isn't much farther the caps can compress.

Perhaps we will have a chance to meet up one of those days in the future.

But at any rate, can my assignment fee be construed as consideration for brokering a deal when in reality I'm assigning my equitable interests in the property?  

No you do not have to visit it but if you want to maximize the chances that the listing agent to take you serious and present the offer properly you normally have to visit. 

I believe, as i understand it, that when you get a property under contract, you do so in a way that it gives you equitable interest.  

Although I feel prepared, I wanted to take the chance to see if anyone had any quick tips.

So just by being here your chances of being successful just increased.Welcome, wish you the best!

@Samantha Lotti I've actually changed my strategy away from Pre-Foreclosures (especially after learning about the Distressed Homeowner Act in Washington state), so I didn't get a chance to use propertyradar.