Calls are coming in and I still have serious questions.

[Jeff NA]

After many starts and stops trying to get started in some area of real estate investing, I finally have calls starting to come in from a direct mail campaign. Problems is that I have many serious questions, and while I don't mind telling someone that I don't know, that I can find out and get back to them, I think you can only say that you don't know so many times in a single conversation before you appear to know very little.

So without making this too long, perhaps someone with more experience can lend some advice or answers.

Two biggest questions I have:

#1. What happens if I get through the entire short sale process, the bank approves the price, the seller is on board, and I just don't find a buyer? There's no question that it would be from a lack of marketing effort, as I'm sure I'm going to go far out of my way to get my first deal done so I can move on. Surely this must happen though. If a buyer doesn't materialize, then what? What happens to the seller? How do I protect them?

#2. What happens if the bank doesn't accept proof of funds from a transactional lender? I've heard it happens from time to time, and I do not have a backup plan here.

I am most afraid of convincing a distressed seller that I've come along to help them only to have the entire deal fall apart and them suffer further consequences. Any helps or ideas are most appreciated.