Planning is your best defense (controlling expenses and unknowns) right now.

from what I am reading they are the biggest unknown factor. you seem to have a good idea on the market and plan.

Collateral condition is often unknown, you can drive by or have a Realtor do some digging, but you usually can't get in for inspections.

This is too much brain damage for residential properties, 10% of the purchase price is customary as an option price, being more you'll get into issues of a disguised sale so a tad less is better.What both of you are suggesting is trying to sell at an unknown future value, in that case now is not the time to do an option.

I have recently experienced several times when music starts blasting from an unknown window I am not on, and it's my open BP page.

These flipping forecast relationships are unknown to me or maybe circumstantial vs causal?

Be careful with auctions properties as there are a lot of unknowns and expect to spend at least $30k to get it rent ready.

I am trying to help him but liens are unknown territory for me.

Should I flip her unit after mine or go ahead and get a re-appraisal and refinance to move to the next property, or option 3 (unknown)? 

There are just too many unknowns.