That has nothing to do with it. You mentioned that you have an aversion to reos or short sales that are not listed generously under market or something like that.
At trustee sale, the properties pricings are set by the asset managers and the properties we bid on are also being bid on by other professional flippers and other groups that have alot of experience with the process. More often then not we did not bid on homes unless they were bid on by other players who we knew were experienced and good at the game.
An REO that is not purchased at trustee sale and is now listed on the market was BYPASSED by the regulars at trustee sale for a reason, it was either priced poorly or has other problems. So then it goes out to get assigned to a broker and put on the MLS.
My point is that if you only limit yourself to the criteria that you stated, it may not be the wisest strategy in the world.
However seeing as you have purchased lots of properties in San Diego I guess you are experienced at it and it has worked out well for you.