I was stupefied and basically in shock at this.

You must know what the hell you are doing and if you dont, its critical that you solicit information from people who do.

Here is a basic overview of the foreclosure process.

One of my problems is that when I rent it the people move there furniture and stuff in and the property ends up looking worse because of the furniture and clutter.

Please and thank you lovely people. 

There's a lot of fantastic people on here and tons of knowledge and wisdom to consume!

In other words, using that same example above, when people have recently exited they were able to exit at 4.75 or lower in some cases!

They grew fast, and like people mentioned clients became a number.

ya that's basically mission impossible under the scenario you outlined.There is a lady I know from Oregon and this was her and her moms experince.They bought a duplex  ran that for a few years sold and bought a 4 plex ran that for some years then they were able to buy a 8 unit  then next step was a 20 unit. 

I'm based in Dallas.Not really mate, "people buy people" and I never was a fan of "promoting" my business or selling crap from stage.But now that I think of it, might get some branded stand up banners, quick fold up picnic table, 3 pretty ladies and just have a set up in the lobby hahaJokes