it's explained upfront 'non-refundable'All qualification criteria needs to be explained (somewhat scripted)Your traffic needs to be documentedCare should be taken on a tenant who qualifies.Fair Housing is a big issue.Always conduct your business professionallyIt's no guarantee the tenant will do the same, and don't think you can always make everyone happy.Run all your aps, and let them know they along with others are qualified.

It's only contingent on me liking the property well enough after my inspection, but I'm also hesitant to give the seller any non-refundable money when all I want is a few days to conduct a normal due diligence inspection.

I'm still feeling my way around and don't want to violate any rules of conduct.

Also, be mindful of how you conduct yourself around your neighbors/tenants - especially if there are community rules you plan to enforce.  

Have to know how to conduct your renovations for the right buyer.

I've pretty much just worked in the commercial industry and I'm aware that business is conducted differently in the residential rehab market.I was just curious to know how most General Contractors set up their payment schedules when working on a rehab?

It can affect the way real estate has been conducted.

I was asking in general, because it could be a convenient way to conduct business.

Jeffery Griggs all problems I can attribute to me being a novice, first time investor - I bought the property over priced through an online investor network without conducting proper due diligence, I allowed the seller to get away with not fulfilling their promise to place a Section 8 tenant prior to closing and not fixing the noted deficiencies in the inspection.

Specifically if someone acts a certain way online, I have no choice but to assume they conduct business in person that same way.