I certainly would in your shoes.  

That's exactly what I would do in your shoes.

I always asked him to out the other person shoes on for just minute.

I am sure there are others out there in my shoes who are also having the same issue. 

Treat people well (as people have said here - treat people as you would want to be treated or as if you were the buyer or seller yourself - step into their shoes) and you won't need to spend much or anything on advertising yourself online, bus stop signs, etc.

Good contractors that work at some of the cut-rate prices and shoe string budgets that many investors try to work with in this area, well that is another story...

If I were in your shoes, I would find a local cash buyer who may have experience with this type of transaction.  

Put yourself in the lenders shoes.  

Note: My company will accept personal or business check/with ID.Know where your funding is coming from (a credit line, pre-loan commitment, seller financing, uncle Bill or Mom or your shoe box under the bed).Understand bidding position (where to stand).Your options with real estate (flip it, assign your contract for a fee, renovate and sell for taxable income, offer it on a Tax Deferred 1031 Exchange for equal or greater value, keep it for a cash flow income)?

We're I in your shoes, my inclination would be to ask them for an offer with an Earnest Money Deposit due within 48 hours of acceptance of their offer in the amount of $5000.