Not only does it hurt the returns, it is a very attractive target for ambulance-chasing lawyers and title fraud.  

Second piece of advice is to have a trust worthy title company that can guide you.

Per the title I'm Karmine!

But after working with the family, we purchased it for $42,000 and got to work.We had some unique challenges, like dealing with one of the heirs who wasn’t very cooperative and required a payoff to sign the paperwork we needed for clear title.

In this option your agent would either get paid from you directly in your closing costs OR from the seller via seller concessions.like Russell said, if you are comfortable with the transaction and understand what you are signing and you don't need things explained and you have connections with inspections and title companies then go for it.

Investment properties prove to be more challenging, but not impossible when titled in your own name.  

You can get some estimates from contractors for what they charge for big ticket items like to renovate a bathroom, renovate a kitchen, replace the furnace, replace the roof, etc.All wholesale deals should have free and clear title and you should be able to see the sales agreement before submitting the earnest money deposit.

My duplex - built 1989, 2,060 sf, 2 bed/bath, 1 year old roof, value if I subdivide (county already approved) and sell each separately $150k each ($300k total)Investor duplex - built 1995, 2,300 sf, 2 bed/bath, 5 year old roof, value around $310kThe investors initial request was for an equal trade and they would pay realtor fees, which I replied wouldn't be equal due to buying/selling costs (recording fees, title insurance, closing fee, survey, inspections, loan fees, 1031 fees, accountant fees, repairs), taxes would increase due to new sale price, I'd trade a 3.75% mortgage for a higher one, and I'm on the 10th year of a 30 year loan so resetting that to a new loan would restart amortization and pay more towards interest.

Lessons learned are related to the title process I use with sellers and buyers.

Question, I'm rolling through listings, and of course I see a bunch of rehabs that are identical.