Also, to Marienbad, the original poster: Fanny Mae and HUD often have great deals here in the city and outlying regions. The catch is again, one is a deal, one is bullshit; AND they will be the same listing price. Fanny will often fix up and secure a home so it won't get scrapped. Hud is not as good at this, but does offer disclosures online about the approximate condition of its properties.