Lack of trust of realtorsLack of trust of professionals in general vs regular peopleThey perceive they have a house nobody wantsThey have a problem they don't think a real estate agent can help with.

The bidding stopped at 530K and the guy who won is a regular bidder but he looked shocked that he won.

I'm in the Tampa area as well.Are you currently renting these properties to 'regular' tenants?

If you're looking just for cash flow rental income then you can make money in Detroit on section 8 (or regular tenants but higher risk of non payment since economy is not too well) but if you're looking for property appreciation I don't think you would want to invest in Detroit.

Prefer elevator / doorman bldg.Please add me to your cash buyer's list if you regularly encounter any of the above.Thanks and Happy Investing !

I would estimate the fall through rate on a wholesale deal is much higher than a regular buyer, a wholesaler has a much better chance of not closing because they don't have a buyer, don't have the money, can't figure out how to double close or valued a property poorly.

Just to be clear, I'm talking about regular hot water baseboard radiators, just running off a domestic water heater instead of a boiler.

One book thats really cool is The Book on Flipping Houses and The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs by J Scott.J Scott is a regular here at Bigger Pockets and knows his stuff.

Does anyone here do this on a regular basis?

I do this regularly to find new buyers.I just tell them I saw a for rent sign @ such and such address, and was wondering if they are looking for any more investment properties in the area.