Keep in mind that it would only apply on performing buildings that are 90% occupied or greater.

Hello Hung Nguyen:Keep in mind that many lenders will not accept a short sale unless all of the parties involved (buyer, seller and agents) sign an affidavit of "arms length transaction" stating that there is no agreement or understanding, written or implied, between the buyer and the seller that allows the seller to rent or regain ownership of the property in the future.

For pre-foreclosures, keep in mind the owner is in the process of losing their house.

In year case it would be for a showing or open house dates(whatever comes to mind).The trick here is to market but make it feel personal not like junk mail almost as if the person receiving this message was your first choice to get dibbs on it first, and since they are your friend you will pay them 4%.I promise you will want to thank me after trying this.

I have a number in mind that would work for me and it is much lower than asking price.

I've had houses on my mind since I was a little girl, and I'm anxious to learn everything I can before I actually jump in.

Hope you don't mind me asking- trying to get a feel for the way the market is currently.

Would you mind sharing what market/city you are in ?

If you don't mind the cold weather, you should look into areas like Ohio, Pennsylvania(I know you said you didn't like it, but they have low taxes as well as low housing prices, especially pittsburgh.

I might call up a few realtors and appraisers and ask to pick their mind about how they appraise real estate.After I've been through the paces a few times, I'm going to bumrush every real estate investor meeting and association within a 50 mile radius!