While I secured the initial financing for the property, I have two other partners/groupings (a total of 6 people) that are contributing to the closing. 

But when you focus on EFFECTIVE purchase capital requirement, notice how that 1 little change of wording totally shifts mindset, focus, everything. 

I just want to make sure the COGS total can be deducted in the year the sale is completed. 

Thought didn't cross my mind he might have bought it planning on developing it with out the obvious DD. eeeekk!

Also, if it's a one-time bonus, you may want to push only a portion to next year if that minimizes the total taxes you pay over the two years based on your expected tax brackets.

I do like the application but obviously the customer support is lacking. 

For example:Task             Estimate        % Certainty        Low        HighDemo              $5,000           90%                    $4,500    $5,500Construction   $10,000          80%                    $8,000    $12,000Plumbing         $8,000           75%                    $6,000    $10,000Finish Work    $10,000           90%                    $9,000    $11,000------------------------------------------------------------------------------TOTAL             $33,000                                    $27,500  $38,500So, if the estimate of $33k looks good and the high estimate of $38,500 is still "ok", I feel confident because its unlikely that EVERY item will be that far off.

There were several issues with title and it was obvious they wanted to get quick cash. 

Quote from @Jesse LeBlanc: I can TOTALLY see this happening! 

Agents that work with homeowners are totally different from investor agents.