Ways cash buyers can get screwed?

[Hend Harb]

This is my first time buying a property. Because it's an all-cash purchase, I'm nervous about the possible things that can go wrong. 

I'm guessing when a lender is involved extra steps are taken to insure that their investment is protected. And that's why it's riskier when a lender is not involved (especially, as a first time buyer with no experience).

Here's one thing that happened that made me question things. I contacted the the title company to ask about the survey, they said that the sellers had provided them with one. The survey is very hard to read. For example, I can't tell the year of the survey. The title company said that they are ok with the survey! and they said that the seller's will sign an affidavit during closing. This is horrifying because I know of a couple who are in legal limbo because it turns out the people they bought the property from didn't own 20% of the land. And guess what, their title company said, prior to closing, that they didn't have to get a new survey. Needless to say, we requested a new survey.

What else should I be aware of as a first time cash buyer? 

[Jesse Rivera]

Get title insurance. it's not required if not using a lender, and many try and save money by not getting it. But get it anyway. If you are going to be in the investing business, run it like a business. It will save you a lot of money in the long run.