I would be happy to give ya cliff notes on it or show ya around if you take a field trip!

@David Carte That was waaaay left field. 

I have been working in the field of education for a little over 10 years.

With oil drilling ticking up, the skilled construction worker type will be choosing whether to work in the oil fields or rebuilding Houston. 

Self-directed IRA plans are a very specialty field with few providers nationwide. 

I would try texting the listing agent - she's had this property listed on and off since 2008 and has been dealing with the short sale (what a pain for an agent) - she's probably sick of it, not making any money on it and has probably been fielding a million calls from completely unqualified first time buyers who want that area but don't really pay attention to the details and don't have any cash - I would be clear in your communication with her that you understand the requirements and have the cash to close - I've had transactions with her in the past she's been around for a long time.  

@Ryan Evans , definitely interested to hear about your upcoming field trip , definitely seems you are doing things the right way.

I'm out in the field right otherwise I'd post a full reply. 

I am in a medical field for several years so doing real estate is something completely foreign to me but I like the thrill of doing something I haven't done before and I think this is something I see myself doing for a while.

Tragedy leads to opportunity in this field...hence the motivated seller.