The invitation style envelopes with a handwritten mailing address will stand out from other mail because of it's shape and indication that it's a personal mailing. 

That is a indication that the borrower is not making good on the loan obligation outside of the BK.  

The home needs about $65K in renovations.I need a short sale specialist who can negotiate the existing debt down to something that makes sense for an investor and take the deal from start to finish in a timely fashion with minimal delays.

I was really looking for a house in Silver Lake or Echo Park, as we work in the Fashion District, so that will minimize drive time.I was really trying to buy our first house and look at it as an investment.

He may be looking to simply break even or get minimal cash flow, and eventually sell the houses later for capital gains.

It appears that yes, for $64.95, there is a company out there called "NSAR" that will send people a "kit" with IDs, badges, etc. when you check a couple boxes indicating you qualify for an emotional support animal and the animal is manageable. 

You need to be creative.FB and Linkedin is self promotion.Go the secretary of states site and look up their LLC filing.The attorney is probably their registrar.There are numerous sites usually governmental that will indicate whether they have had any scrapes with the law.

I trust the company will underwrite the deals and your a lead generator.. lots can go wrong in this business if you have no experience which you indicate you don't.Good luck with it..Craig's list adds could help as well... marketplace on BP is a cheap way as well.

As far as your assessment of value, the assessed value is NOTam indicator of fair market value and in Las Vegas (Clark county) normally is off by as much as 40% or more.  

Both have risks but the most you learn on that specifically area the most you minimize that risk.