@Wayne BrooksThere was NO correspondence between any of the parties which would indicate an extension of the Contract past 1/28.The demand for EM was after this date.I also think we have to keep in mind that damage to the Seller is not due to the Buyer's actions but from the Seller's Civil Case.HOWEVER, there is significant damage to the Buyer, for instance, increased mortgage interest rates, cost for application fee, Title Search, Attorney retainer, etc. which are caused by the Seller's inability to deliver marketable title.As far as if Kevin is still in Contract, the date that was last communicated by the Seller's Attorney was 12/1/2017 where the Civil Trial was to occur but then was postponed to 1/29.Kevin verbally corresponded to John the Sellers Agent and said that if the 1/29 date is further postponed, we would cancel.Additionally, the Mortgage Bank Canceled the application due to uncertainty. 

Here’s an example of one instance where American Homes 4 Rent (AH4R) has issued about a half-billion dollars in bonds, at an average pass-through rate of 4.138% (there’s that number I used for our mortgage for comparison purposes).

For instance, one PM I spoke to has the following fees:50% of first month's rent to initialize tenant (+$50 just to draw up the lease)8%/month rents collected$150 flat for a renewalThis comes in at about 12.5% of gross rents in year one of a tenant's lease, and then probably closer to 9% in every year they renew.

In this specific instance I could get it done with personal money (leaving money in reserve just in case) and a private loan of $50K at 8% interest only with a balloon after 12 months.

The problem here is that in most instances it will require new construction and the savings by trying to keep things cheap is not that much cheaper than putting in better finishes. 

I used to work for a marketing firm when I was a photographer for a magazine.

For instance, I own a few investment property in villages that have a "crime free tenants" ordinance which requires the landlord to attend a training and the tenant to sign an addendum to each lease. 

Other than that what should I be asking them either of proof of ability to pay and/or verbal questions.For instance I'm thinking I should ask about their income but how much should I make sure they make or savings on hand? 

My attorney advised that I could put up a non-refundable option fee for maybe $100 - $500 dollars for a period of time that goes by and then increase for each # of days that goes by in the contract, so for instance:(Option Fee - not Earnest Money)$500 give to seller 3 days after contract is signed.If close hasn't happened within 15 days, give them another $500.If close hasn't happened within another 15 days, give them another $500. 

For instance, they are underwater or the home value is too high.You can look at the demographics of specific "carrier routes" (CRRT) within a zip code to pick the ones that have the highest rate of homeownership and desirable average price range.