Let's take a giant step back-wards.

We are up to 30 units now, so even a $20 gift card plus travel and time OR shipping is $650 plus.Cards alone with stamps is not anywhere near as expensive, maybe $50 - but the time investment should be considered.We have been pondering the benefits of such actions, other than making us feel good.In line with the thinking of some others who have already posted - we spent almost $100k this year in upgrades to our properties: roofs, steps, porches, total rehabs, outside painting, new entry doors, new heating systems (9 units), new trash cans.

Thus we have 9 that we will look at a bit more in depth (and in the real world it will not be 9 out of 100 that are worth pursuing IMHO for a wholesale deal).

After listening to today's talking heads, I wonder if waiting till after Jan 20 wouldn't be the better time-they're suggesting that Obama will take immediate steps to loosen the money given the banks etc for loaning.

So instead you are going to have them step into your shoes and purchase the short sale property direct instead of buying it from you correct?

You are going to need a lawyer to pursue this.

If tenant looses there job then Section 8 will step in and pay the whole portion.Section 8 is a good tool, but like everything esle, learn to diversify.

I still do short sales, after stepping away from them for a bit I've made it a large part of my business again.

I knew that a lot of times buyers don't want to wait for the short sale process to run its course, but I step in and speed it up a bit.

Yes, I think that you have to start by finding someone in or out of your area who is willing to walk you through the steps.