First of all, in order for a seller to get the bank to consider a short sale, they have to submit a detailed short sale packet to the lender, which usually requires the assistance of a realtor. 

In between the speaker's there were short breaks and opportunities for the rest of the investors to mingle with each other and do some networking - in many cases this is were some of the real magic happens, as connections are formed and as we all know sometimes all it takes is one great connection to change everything.

Our contract period was over 8/23, and we have had to extend for the reasons mentioned above.

Also, I offer furnished short-term housing and know others that do as well if you haven't lined up a place already.

They should take pictures and video inside and out plus the neighborhood periodically. 

Maybe as part of the sale some agreement can be recorded that specifies that the second tract will be for us to keep when short plat is finished?

Can't assign contracts on a short sale.

I was considering a short sale but I'm not behind on payments or anything.

(I'm also very familiar with rent stabilization laws since I work in housing policy for my career, so I'm aware of how that offsets a lot of upside potential, at least in the short term.)Is this "Sub-1% Rule" just something you need to accept as a buyer/investor in LA?

We got our offer accepted on the house in February of this year on the short sale.