Richard is correct...this Q&A section is geared for answering questions, NOT self promotion.

Trulia will take these type of answers down when they see them.

If you want to promote yourself, become a "Trulia Pro" or blog about yourself. This isn't the place for it. Review the "community guidlines" for clarification.

All, Please remeber that Trulia has asked that the Q & A area not be used to solicit business but to answer questions. If a questioner thinks you give a decent answer, and you have your profile set up they can decide to contact you. But overt solicitations to sell, or represent customers are not allowed per the terms of service.

Here we help them freely

I would suggest you seek a CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) I am one but don't work in Harlem, you can find a good search at http://www.CDPE.com

A Certified Distressed Property Expert® is a real estate professional with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the real estate industry, and the foreclosure avoidance options available to homeowners. Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPEs are able to provide solutions for homeowners facing hardships in today’s market, specifically short sales.

Many agents think they know all about it, most know very little,, you need a trained expert in this part of real estate--they ca really get you in a huge mess, both as a seller or as a buyer in Short Sales.

CDPEs spend a full very information packed two days in intensive training, they have a major back up support network. Don't waste time with a person who read an article or sat in their office for a hour or so of training on this subject.
I took the training course and became Certified in Short Sales Etc not so much because I wanted the business, but so I could explain it to my owners and so I could understand it myself. I am not seeking your business but want you to make sure you do not get in a problem dealing with someone who simply does not know how this is done.

Call any Realty offices, interview as many agents as needed and choose the one you like best--after all you will be spending some time together. Any Realtor has access to REO's and or short sale listings and he/she can show you as many as you'd like and guide you through the process.

Anna

i find on the consumer part of me to find an agent that has successfully negotiated these deals to the closing table. there area a ton of agents branding themselves as a foreclusre or short sale specialist. i find its always best to intereview 3 agents before comiiteing to one. trulia voices is a great way to find an active reputable agent. best of luck.

You could find tons of foreclosure, REO's and bank owned properties http://www.finestexpert.com
They got 4-million active properties nationwide to provide you the most up-to-date statistics on rents, values, expenses, and projected returns.

Your best bet is to find an intelligent, honest agent that's going represent you as a buyer's agent and will help you achieve whatever your real estate goals might be - whether that's investing for renting, buying and flipping or purchasing a primary residence. Most agents that specialize in REOs are working for their clients, the banks, so they won't necessarily be working in your best interests. I work in Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties and parts of Brooklyn (Brooklyn has a different MLS). I do not work in Manhattan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Ralph Windschuh
Century 21 Princeton Properties
631-467-0009
rwindschuh@c21princetonproperties.com

It really depends on the area you are looking. However, be cautious when choosing and if you can get a referral from someone, do so. In today's market everyone is quick to claim they are an expert in foreclosures, REO's, and bank owned, but most of them are not experts, they are just trying to keep up with market trends. But please don't be discouraged by this response, just be cautious, there are great deals out there right now.