I work with and educate clients purchasing distressed properties not only on the black and white legal issues, but the risk/reward--if they are bidding on an auction post sheriff sale, and subject to redemption, you NEED to know if you pay auction buyer premiums, etc. and the property is redeemed, it is possible you lose money in the process.  

Are you still able to do deals frequently?    

The math does not check out.Two things that happen frequently:- Many consumers, and Realtors for that matter, do not know the difference between a mortgage broker and a mortgage banker (aka direct lender).

Frequently there is a middle tier broker network within these markets that specialize in smaller offerings.  

Hi @Michael Downs - We could talk about this subject all night.

Sleuth out who the handymen/contractors are who are frequent flyers.

I think this subject is relevant for starters like me so here it is: is it a good idea to turn a single-family home into a duplex or triplex? 

It’s a something Robert Kiyosaki speaks about frequently.

Anything else is subject to a city ordinance.You need to research what utilities are and how far they need to be moved to deliver service to your location.

A paid off property is not subject to market downturns or recessions like a leveraged property.