The only thought behind the balloon is a quicker payoff and incentive at the end. 

Any resolutions?

When you say your wife does not want to sell it to you, I'm not sure what you mean - if you're divorced, there was (I assume) some resolution on ownership of the house & responsibility for the mortgage? 

Yes, the neighboring homes being hot is exasperating the issue, but I'm thinking I can show some goodwill (and hopefully provide resolution) by having the unit serviced. 

Does he want a quicker close? 

I have a masters degree in accounting and operate a tax prep and tax resolution (I am an Enrolled Agent) office as well. 

Obviously that requires knowing your story and what you're trying to do - but it took me a few years before I actually purchased my first property, while others move much quicker.

Once your loan goes through loss mitigation and if there is no resolution then the bank will either foreclose or sell your loan in a very large pool to a hedge fund. 

I was inquiring about the hard money as a quicker potentially easier way to get into it and then refinance out.

I was just curious if i should go ahead with it or wait until spring when I’d likely be able to fill the house quicker.