Short Sale = Instant Equity ? ?

[Tommy R]

The claim is that Short Sale purchases can create "instant equity" by negotiating a purchase with a financial entity for lower than market value because of the distress/situation, then immediately resell it for FMV.

Can I get some feedback here on this claim? Considering the market, banks and their bond rating, cooperation, etc... I'm trying to find out what the "TEMPERature" is like out there right now.... insight from experience would prove most helpful.

Thanks,

Tommy