I have noticed an increase in short sales, preforclosures, and forclosures in RSF for while now. I have even put an offer in on a forclosure and a short sale in recent months. I am also contacting slect owners in preforclosure.
There one house in RSF I would never buy, but that I have been watching do the price roller coaster ride for quite a while as it lists, relists, and obviously as the bank approves or reapproves a short sale price as it heads into forclosure. I toured this house last year and then it dissapeared and came back on the market at $700k more than it was when I toured it, then dropped to $500k more, then right up to $700k more again. Quite entertaining.