Do I contact the customer service department to obtain this form (guarantee).

I'm guessing that ARV will show to be between 125k and 140k [still need to do a bit more definitive research, as it's not in a subdivision and not my local market], while the tax assessed value is just 70k.I have a phone number for the owner's son and plan to get contact info for the owner, but HOW do I 'get the deal on paper' when I call the owner of a trashed, abandoned home?

now with this in hand, contact every creditor that was involved and send them a copy of this decree.

A simple initial conversation.You could contact the buyer and explain that there is no contract as the copy you have shows a forged signature.

They can often put you in contact with local property managers and contracters, and I feel as comfortable researching the rental market online as I would in person.

I have a contact with a local broker who specializes in dealing with REO in the local market.

Contact the person who handled the sale.

I have attended those REI meetings in the Bay Area, so I will contact them, or maybe attend the next meeting and see what happens.

You will get some specific advice from others in the market.You can also contact a title company to work up a draft closing statement.

I've gotten a contact, (RE lawyer) which I'll be consulting today for some advice and see what he may recommend as far as state processes go.