Buying house from incarcerated seller

[Jonathan Boyd]

So a lady called me from my DMM letters trying to convince me to buy the vacant house next to her. Apparently, the lady is part of the neighborhood "Busybodies Anonymous" and has the latest scoop on everything! (Ok, actually she is really sweet. We house hacked a duplex on the street and still own it, so I know of her and the house she's talking about.) She doesn't like living next to a vacant house, AND the guy was arrested on some serious drug charges. She wants me to buy and flip it to ward off potential visits from the owners previous clientele. 

Anyone have some advice on buying a house from a guy in jail? I'm willing to talk to whoever I need and even go to the jail to meet the guy.

Pros:

It's in a great spot and decent shape externally

It's owned outright

Dude will be in jail awhile and not able to pay taxes or maintain it (motivation)

Cons:

Dude's in jail  lol

Potential remediation from drug use/manufacture

[Edward Zachary Samperio]

Buying a house from someone who is currently in jail can be a bit tricky, but it's not impossible. Here are some things you can do to protect yourself and make the process as smooth as possible:

1. Get all the details: Before you make any decisions, try to get as much information as possible about the property and the owner's situation. Find out why the owner is in jail, how long they will be there, and what their plans are for the property. You may also want to do a title search to ensure that there are no liens or other issues with the property.

2. Talk to the owner: If you can, try to talk to the owner directly. You may be able to get a better sense of their intentions and motivations, and you can ask any questions you have about the property. If you're not comfortable visiting the jail, you may be able to arrange a phone call or video chat.

3. Consider remediation costs: As you mentioned, there may be costs associated with cleaning up the property if it was used for drug use or manufacturing. You'll want to factor these costs into your budget and make sure that you're getting a good deal even after accounting for these expenses.

4. Consult with a real estate attorney: A real estate attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities of buying a property from someone in jail. They can review contracts and other documents, help you negotiate terms, and ensure that the transaction is legal and binding.

Overall, buying a house from someone in jail can be a good opportunity, but it's important to do your due diligence and protect yourself legally and financially.