What are the best ways to locate properties in pre-foreclosure? How about short sale properties?
Best way? Knock on doors.
Easier way? Direct mail.
well theres a shot gun approach if there ever was one.
That narrows it down for him don’t you think?
TG
I am not trying to call you out, but you might want to refrain from posting similar questions in different forums (see forum rules). No, I am not a mod.
By posting in multiple forums with this similar question, I gather that you should first decide what technique you want to try, then go tackle it. There are so many different ways to make money in real estate, and you don’t have to do them all to make a lot of money. So, decide first, then go do it. Plus, once you decide, you will be able to ask more specific questions, thus have a higher probability that people can actually help you here. Depending on your intended investment type, your approach to finding potential deals may vary slightly.
See my answer to your similar post in the Bird Dogs forum.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get “notice of default” lists from a title company in the area. Then you can go start knocking on doors. 
In Las Vegas I get an email every day with all the NOD properties. Keep in mind that many people are only a month or two behind. The best ones are those that are obviously four or five months behind.