Protecting yor interest in a lead, when you are a novice at estimating repairs.

[Ronald H.]

Vacant two story home and a seller who MAY be ready to sell.

I have not approached her, because I know her house needs a lot of work and I do not know how to come up with a sensible total for repairs, which means I need a Contractor.

If I bring a Contractor over and he thinks it is a good buy, he could make an offer to the seller and undermine my interests if I do not have a right to buy the house. The Contractor will have more knowledge of Repair Costs than I will.

Without knowing how much to fix this house, I will not be able to make a sensible offer. I could be way out there.

How do I protect my interests in this type if situation?