However Newark prices had been going up 30%/year so it was a "can't miss" idea.One of the most telling statements was on thinking REI was easy; In my naiveté I didn't understand the extent to which I was looking for a needle in a haystack.

It's easy, fast, and can be changed in a second.Peter

Of course very very few do this, as it's very tough to sell for a reasonable price on the open market without a pair of eyes and ears on the ground.

I'm not suggesting that there aren't any properties in your city or in any around you, but they aren't always easy to find.

It seems all to easy.

Getting around this issue is usually pretty easy, believe or not (although from time to time I'll come across an underwriter determined to prove me wrong :D ).

Note that some of the costs are recorder's fees or transfer taxes so not all that easy to avoid in any event even if you used a quit claim.John Corey

(I would not even mind some one out of my area, as long as they are easy to get a hold of, responsive to any question I might have, and Honest)Thanks

Is there an easy way to see the results of past auctions (i.e which ones went back to the bank vs. sold to private bidders, price sold, etc.)?

First i would think about what it will take cost and labor to strip/patch/sand,stain and finish the floors stripper and sanding pads will add up unless its an exotic wood, I personaly would simply lay new hardwood or laminate flooring down you can find all styles sizes colors types of wood and most are prefinished and are extremly easy to instiall, some are glueless and nailess.