My conclusion after 2+ years of house hunting is same. If you want to get the “Deal”, you have to risk it … either buy all cash at court house steps or become part of short sale manipulation along with Listing Agent and Seller. Several furstrated buyers are now using it as their “competitive edge”, after being around-the-corner for some time.
For the In-Demand properties, a transparent Short-Sale or REO process won’t give you any discount over retail market. You are more likly to pay more than the retail-price because of bidding wars over such properties.
