Despite what HGTV house flipping shows might lead you to believe, attending sheriff’s sales and buying a home sight-unseen is not necessarily the best way to land a great buy on distressed properties. The vast majority of foreclosures end up on the market just like any other home for sale, so team up with a knowledgeable Realtor who can set you up on an automated search for distressed properties so you will know the second one comes on the market.