My thought is to purchase a few homes, putting down as much as I have to get get any type of loan for a news LLC, then pay down the small balance over time to build a credit history so I can eventually get a loan with 25% down or HLOC the paid homes to get in to additional properties?

I would send a written request that he document he has followed proper procedures, when pay or quit notice was issued, etc.  

Only way to know what it needs it to walk through it and document everything you find.

I'm in the process of revising how we document changes in household make-up and clarifying our policies and procedures about that.

If you have other lines with them, you risk them being frozen or the ability to use them, being taken away.Joel summed it up pretty well assuming you are not in a single action or non deficiency state.You have to document a financial hardship to be considered for a short sale for 99.99% of all potential short sale scenarios out there.

Many of our clients that want to flip some and hold and 1031 some will often set up separate holding entities or make sure that their CPA is on board documenting them appropriately.The 1031 exchange is a huge powerful economic engine but it takes a little patience to use.

good info from @Douglas Snookhowever if it is a property that I am buying for myself I go to the Registry of Deeds myself and trace every single deed back, just to cover myself, get a history of ownership and to make sure no easements, liens or concerns get skipped by the attorneys, have had problems in the past so I like to know the answers before I start asking questions...just my opinion ! 

But the area has so much history and I enjoy the culture.

No matter what representations others provide, ask for original documents, tax return schedules, inspect yourself.  

In this document they will pull comparable sales and those will be the base for the number you are getting.