That way I can play out and model worst case situation.

online vs in a classroom. is one better than the other ?

I would be interested to see what MI and OH notes are doing these days.back in the day the bigger players would not even bid on those notes  :)  I don't play in that sand box other than with commercial banks that call me on one off's.. and its has to be a smoking deal for me to knowingly go into a bad situation up front.. that's why I recommend talking to those that do it for a living have their systems in place etc etc.. in my mind small mom and pop investors take a huge risk trying to play the NPN game .. and would be better off finding nice performing notes.. but that's me.

Its no problem for someone to do poor job finding MFR online or via broker and then market it to investors. the question is how good is the deal and if the wholesaler figured it out - i mean the upside in the deal and why you should buy it...??!

It's pretty cheap and I think there's a way to set up an online application page which should save you some time--you might want to look into it.

I was considering using Corporate Direct from the Rich Dad guys but I also wonder why other online places are so much cheaper.

One is an artist, the other a graphic designer in on-line advertising. 

Otherwise it is going to be a tenant pays down loan and appreciation play.To get the true cash flow plays in good areas with trustworthy and reliable providers it can be a good deal more challenging than it was even 18 months ago, but they are still out there. 

How to ensure Listing Agent presents your offer to the seller.In advance of even looking at a listed property:1. email or have your buyer's agent email your Approval Letter for your MAX purchase price, regardless of how much higher it is than the list price of the property you are considering (the higher, the better) & an Attorney Escrow Letter of $5000 or more (the more the better)  to the Listing Agent with instructions for the Listing Agent to forward the email directly to the Seller. 2. take the two letters with a copy of the email where it was sent to the Listing Agent and mail them directly to the sellers, this way that have something physically in their hands, letting them know you are a REAL buyer are not playing games! 

Some are online, some you have to call or show up.