On the flip side, especially the Houston market is very closely correlated to the energy business.

Most of the middle class falls into the trap of two working parents, long time and energy sucking commutes, always stressed for time, buying stuff to keep up, eating out frequently, etc. if you are truly middle class the only thing preventing you from wealth is you (exceptions for major illness or other uncontrollable life events).

2) If seller's agent was blowing smoke then walk.3) Don't waste time and emotional energy on it in addition to losing a few bucks.4) Focus on the next deal instead of the misery of this one

Maybe I'm looking for the silver bullet of wisdom from someone who would make that deal but maybe the lesson is sometimes people pay too much.

These lists, if you're interested in trying them, are:- 75-100% equity with owners over 50 years old- tax delinquent- code violation...particularly overgrown or junky, multiple/long standing issues (this is a time/energy intensive list for me, hopefully your city's site is more user friendly)- recent arrests (sent out Wednesday, believe it or not I've already gotten a call back)Good luck!

This still have the personal feel of the letter, but will save you time and energy on the letters.

You wouldn't want to waste time and energy looking at something that would be out of range. 

If you're going to spend all that energy and money (75k in back taxes isn't pocket change) better make sure that it's a near guaranteed deal.Are you local to the area?

He said that I could get about $30,000 of the rehab costs through a program like ygreen.com, basically if you upgrade Windows, roof, drought tolerant landscaping, and other energy efficient items, you are able to get a loan that is attached to the property taxes for the property.

Remember, just because it passes a rule such as this doesn't mean it is a great deal, it just means you can devote more energy to evaluating it further.