Until it is recorded the city is still going to show the old owner as of record.Part of the foreclosure process does require advertisement in the local paper a certain number of time before the actual sale.If the notice gave a court docket number you can look at the case at the land court in Boston and see who the attorney is and try to contact them about purchasing or purchasing when the actual sale is (without looking at the actual ad, this may be the first step before the foreclosure is scheduled in which case there will be additional notices)Not sure if there is a law library in New Bedford at the court but if so they might be able to provide some additional information regarding how a foreclosure works in MA.

The agent negotiates on behalf of and acts as an advocate for the seller.The seller’s agent must disclose to potential buyers all adverse material facts actually known by the seller’s agent about the property.

I actually came across a note last week that cannot be foreclosed on (previous lender tried and judge ruled in favor of the borrower) 

Like what is actually obtainable in most transactions.  

You set the expectation with her that she would have an actual yard and you have failed to meet that standard.

Of course I'll continue reading books, forums, and BP posts, as well as listening to podcasts.I do have another question, would you recommend showing him an actual deal that I'm interested in (as a young investor looking for his advice) or first just seeing if he is interested in the idea of partnering?

I actually live in Rockville though, so I keep an eye out for deals in that Rockville/North Bethesda area.It seems like my generations values proximity to metro, grocery store and decent appliances.

You have to actually have to prove the work is finished (in phases) to get a "draw".  

When doing your calculations for ROI, do you base it on the actual amount you have in it or on the amount that the property is worth(ARV, etc)?

that may help you to get a discount to its actual value.