I am buying my first home, and am waiting for a closing date.

These agents, who are connected to banks and receive REO listings, are they limited to...for example 1-2% commissions...?

Of course, if you only need 2 or 3 per year, you may have no choice.Locally, there is a "Rent Check" service, although I have no experience with them.Be aware that there HAS been talk in the legislature regarding limiting or prohibiting application fees here, because there ARE a number of unscrupulous types charging obscene fees.

The date of the lien defines its priority other than for the above mentioned property tax liens.

Short answer is, "Yes".As others have said, the major impact has been in the "Sub-Prime" sector, but it isn't limited to that.

My current "cash" situation is still somewhat limited, though I do have a $200k HELOC, and considering applying for a business LOC through the remodel business as well to help add "instant funds" for purchases just not sure how much sense that makes either yet.

In poll fashion, kindly answer the following questions: What has been your most successful property locating technique to date for finding properties that are available for 50-65% of market value?

the reason i say this, is according to what i understand the end buyer coming in with the money to close would be limited by the financing they have been approved for....i.e., lender (traditional) approves end buyer for x amount, but they do not typically like to lend or approve a "land trust".....in addition, the lender would be requiring title insurance and a lender's policy...but, this could not happen via a land trust.i hope i explained this clearly......please correct me [anyone] if i am not thinking straight.....

We set the closing for 20 days from that original contract date and we're sticking to it.

What about in a situation where the house hasn't been listed, and the trustee sale date is too close to really allow a listing?