Contrary to what some websites state, Missouri permits lawsuits to recover deficiencies between the amounts due under a note secured by a deed of trust and amounts bid in at foreclosure. Alarmingly, recent newspaper and online articles are suggesting that the holders of the notes may be selling the deficiency judgments (or even the notes) to a booming business in that market. Their plan appears to just wait to see if the debtor resuscitates himself or herself, and then pursue recovery of the deficiency amount. And, they have 20 years to act.
If you are in this situation, it may be best to consider bankruptcy, and take the clean start that bankruptcy affords you. After all, you could work hard for 10, 15, even 20 years, and then face a lawsuit on a deficiency on a matter that you thought was long over, and possibly face calamity all over again.