If you've established that the seller will communicate via text, i would shift from a passive message "I am just wondering if you sold it yet" to something more active that provides the seller with a sense of urgency "we're actively looking for a property to buy in the next 7 days, so if you're still looking to sell and sell fast, we're ready to buy right now"

Working with a wholesaler, IF your situation demands the need, may prove to be necessary depending on the URGENCY to sell.  

Usually the rents and deposits are too low and the scammers try to push the urgency of acting now.

What's the benefit of not pursuing our dreams now and live our lives with a sense of urgency? 

Finally, open house style showings are the way to go both for your convenience and to generate a sense of urgency to apply quickly when many are at the showing at same time...

The big problem is that there is NO sense of urgency or a realization of what we are dealing with on our side of things when they dont perform on time. 

Probably just as important as what I mention in the letter is what I personally DON'T mention in the letter:any numbersany urgency, speed or timelineanything about how I plan to finance itIn short, I am trying to connect with reasonable people who are willing to have a conversation.  

However, my gut says I shouldn't sign with the first company I talk to, no matter the sense of urgency, and that at the very least I should bid the project out to a few folks and see what my prices look like.

Is your desire to make more an urgency to rebuild a retirement nest egg that's short, or could you afford to remain more conservative and still retire?

Escrowing a Special Warranty Deed is not an issue, other than forming an installment sale with the promise to deliver the deed upon full payment.From Jamie's other post, I'm guessing the urgency is in connection with a pending foreclosure.