Work your files, talk to your AEs/lenders/clients to make sure the piece of the puzzle your client has fits where you are trying to place it. 

The deadline was yesterday.On one hand it's really annoying because I don't have all the pieces of the puzzle that I'd like to have to get a clear picture of the house I'm buying.

Beyond that, it is a matter of looking at ALL of the pieces, to see if the entire puzzle "fits" together..dates, addresses, employment,etc.

I actually find locate absent minerals owners for my day job and I really enjoy solving the puzzle.

And if you are already doing REOs you just have some contacts you could reach out to.The last piece of the puzzle really just comes down to the numbers working in a potential deal.

Rental History is important but it's only one piece of the puzzle.

As others have said, price tenant is willing to pay is only one piece of the puzzle. 

They are also less than $30k, so I will most likely not be able to obtain financing.My question is, if I am able to find a way to purchase the 2 properties, should I ignore the appreciation piece of the puzzle and just go for cash flow?

I've tried again to puzzle through exactly what you end up with in this deal.

Admittedly, I am still not far enough along in the process to fit this piece of the puzzle or know if it is a red herring.Finally, as my wife and I have read our posts and the replies, we wanted to apologize if we come off as entitled a-holes.