There is no doubt that foreclosures are on the radar screen of all three leading presidential candidates these days — although probably more publicly on the Democratic side of the aisle, where the subject has been discussed constantly during many television debates.

Trying to keep her candidacy hopes alive, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., has been stumping in Ohio, a very important state in terms of picking up delegates. Appearing Friday on The Today Show on NBC Clinton told show co-host Meredith Vieira about a woman she recently met in Cincinnati who broke down in tears because she had lost her home to foreclosure. It’s an observation that is worth mentioning in these less-than-ideal economic times.

Discussing what she considers the failed economic policies of the past seven years under the Bush Administration, Clinton was concerned about whether the home foreclosure crisis can be stopped before too many more families end up like that woman in Cincinnati.

“There’s no reason why our country should leave our people in such a state of pain, anxiety and insecurity. And I think it’s wrong!,” Clinton said about the present state of the nation’s economy.

Pain, anxiety and insecurity. Three mental states that legitimate real estate investors should be keenly aware of when dealing with distressed homeowners on the verge of losing their homes.

Although Clinton is using it for political gain, it’s a good reminder for real estate investors. Especially investors who choose to deal with homeowners who are in the pre-foreclosure stage.

In these uncertain economic times there are plenty of mortgage scammers and con artists out there ripping people off, stealing what little equity they have, and in some cases the title to their home as well. The news is full of stories about these crooks and how local and state governments are busy trying to sue them and legislate them out of existence, while victims are busy trying to retrieve their homes from them through the court system.

Fortunately for the good investors of the world there are organizations out there watching out for their interests at the state and federal level, looking to prevent or modify any anti-investor legislation. One such organization is the National Association of Responsible Home Rebuilders and Investors (NARHRI).

Even with organizations such as NARHRI out there, the point remains that if you’re an investor who is going to deal with distressed homeowners early on in the foreclosure process, you should tread carefully, caringly and with understanding of their financial situation. They are in denial enough as it is, and you’ll get a lot further and prosper more from a little bit of kindness up front.

Are you a real estate investor with a good story to tell about how you helped out a homeowner in distress? If so, we’d like to hear from you.