:D I've found that a better indicator of the direction that mortgage rates MAY go is the 10 year treasury bond.

Isn't the "no conventional loans" condition on a short or REO usually indicative of a property that will need a lot of rehab work?

Having a proper business plan, multiple exit strategies, and the ability to properly analize the investments are also key factors in addition to purchasing at a large discount in any economy, bad, or good.

I have done some lease option/lease purchase and it is one of my favorite strategies when selling (especially in the current market conditions).The key to a successful lease option is details you use in your contracts.

See motivation is the key that makes real estate fun and exciting.

Listing price is irrelevant, except as an indicator of the likelihood of getting and accepted offer.The second part is that in my and others experience, banks don't come down much off their listed prices. 5-10% maybe.

Loan at 80% LTV; DPA at 20% = 100% financing.Seller flexibility is key to any transaction.

Actually having the knowledge and knowing the lingo can be a key factor.

The key is that they are essentially investors purely.

The key is to make sure it really cash flows.