Here is the thing, in large cities like here in Los Angeles, buying at the courthouse steps is fraught with danger and it is very hard for the "small guy" to get in there and get a good deal amoungst the big boys who have been there for generations.

We weren't sure if we should submit such a low-ball offer.All we care about is getting out from under the mortgage and moving on, ideally with no danger of being sued for the deficiency.

However, it is DANGEROUS to act as if it doesn't exist, and/or use dubious legal theory to try and not comply.

They can be all dangerous and some often carry legal risk.

You'll want to study the area the property is in to get a feel for how dangerous it is and how well your prospective tenants will care for it.

Then let it loose .My neighbor is going nuts , I am laughing , and thinks my kid is in danger .

Just because some people have popularized an unethical, dangerous and marginally legal/illegal approach to using a certain strategy does NOT make that strategy itself unethical, dangerous or illegal when used correctly. 

Want to feel more prepared the next time I step into a dangerous place like the one I saw today. 

I think there can be legitimate criticism of short-term rentals, but often they are lost in stranger danger or a reticence to embrace new ways to invest (or do anything)

There are many ways to succeed in real estate, but NOT all of them lead to success.Maximizing cash-on-cash return AND cash flow at the same time is a very dangerous combination!