"pre-foreclosure" is a sexy term - but it really doesn't mean anything without qualifying an individual situation.If you want to have a better chance of success getting a property which is inevitably going to be foreclosed upon, it's a safe bet to start by looking at market comps and then adjust your number based on the condition of the property and the situation of the current owner.  

She should tell them she's spoken to a lawyer and I'll bet they give her deposit back.

I also bet a good guy name Mark Shaffar recently on BP who has deals in the midwest and Milwaukee.  

For many it does not work (my partner and me might end up as part of that bucket someday, that is yet to be determined), but there are always exceptions to every "rule" (or popular opinion).  

I bet it is a bigger dream than the "dream job" you moved beyond.

Single-family homes look like my best bet so my investments will probably begin there.

Yes, sales prices in the FL market overall have increased recently - but betting on appreciation is a gamble.

it's a trap. i bet she just had a conversation with the coworker and automatically assumes they want it. she wants to get out before even the coworker applies. then it's "your problem"

It's neutral, popular, would match the roof, and wouldn't seem like a duplicate home to the next house over. 

They don't seem to be very popular here though.