A short sale is only one of six loss mitigation options, and playing the pre-foreclosure game successfully requires a working understanding of the other five.

They are playing hardball.

I've been told that letters aren't the most effective way to contact owners of large apt. complexes.Supposedly, the best way to get into the loop and have the first crack at purchasing larger multi-family properties before they hit the market is to (1) network with commercial real estate professionals such as Scott the CCIM (2) join commercial real estate organizations such as the IREM, BOMA, NAA, and ICSC or befriend individuals that are members (3) approach a property owner in the flesh and (4) network some more.You agree Scott?

These are not investors buying, these are people like you and I who have normal jobs and are just looking for a place to call home.Salaries aside, you didn't even address any of the other issues that I mentioned also play into the cost of housing.

I am a doctoral student with: [list]little debt (car loan and 35k in student loans), little assets (3k in an index fund, 7k in a target retirement fund/Roth IRA, 1k in individual stocks, 5k in cash), little income (just my student stipend of less than $20,000/year and another $2-3000 from web design and illustrating jobs on the side), and a little family (wife and two kids).

There are reciprocal agreements with other states which allow a licensed individual from a qualified state to take the second state's exam without completing the course requirements.

You can go online and find a dozen homes at 65c on the dollar within 24 hours.The key is to find institutional and individual wholesalers.

I'll also give you $2,000 to help find another place to live".At this point the attitude and disposition of the homeowner really comes into play....they would either a) tell you to get the hell out or b) see the advantage of letting you help out and then give in.

There is supply/demand factors in play.

Common clouds on title are liens, which can be attached to a specific property, such as a mechanic's lien, and judgments, which can be attached to a specific individual, such as a judgment for child support.