In Cook county, it could be awhile before the owners are out and that makes that home extremely less attractive.  

Which style are You naturally attracted to.  

Really good discussion, I have found that its best to give people the freedom to do what they want, people change their minds a lot but ultimately if you stay focused on your own business you only attract what is good for you.

I am in the Snoqualmie Valley and there are some auction properties that look very attractive. 

Chris NA all you need to do is explore a market you're familiar with in the Bay Area with the correct fundamentals: jobs, high-income earners, attractive school districts, growing population ect.,  buy one of the lower-end homes in the area and put some money and sweat equity into it to make it a winner! 

When we returned we did some significant upgrades (windows, roof, privacy fence, tile flooring) leaving the house attractive to potential buyers and we have all but kissed that money good bye that we put into it.  

Any dip in the market will attract cash-buyers immediately.

Hi Adam,That is tough.You have to figure in simply paying more in the lease to make yourself attractive to a land owner or a developer.You have to see it from their perspective.

I have found that the larger loans are usually easier to do just because the economy scale makes these deals more attractive to a broader range of lenders.Nicolas Paez

You could try to dig drain or french drain around the house leading water to small "pond" or water garden filled with gravel more than 8 ft away from house - it will attract water and move it away from foundation and may look even beautiful.