From that moment, the husband was late with his payments and knew how to "play the game", he'd consistently pay late.

More and more I've been reading showing instructions as well that "No blind offers will be accepted, seller won't play the bid high then drop after inspection game".

I've been through a bunch of different contractors so although I can get multiple bids I'm trying to develop a long term relationship with this particular contractor so we don't have the "play the game" with each property if that makes sense. 

To me, we are later innings of the REI cycle and to continue to play the same hand regardless of the situation IMO could be risky.  

If you don't know the rules, then how can you play the game?

Ashley - I don't know if this is a good deal or not - but I did respond to that listing - it looks bad and empty - There could be lots of equity or lots of stress - I like in and out in a short period of time.In my opinion every property offer is a "deal" - Every property offered is or could be a good deal -The only thing that make a property a bad deal is PRICEEvery property will sell if the price is rightTime on the market and price (reduction) are close cousins -Price softens as time moves on and motivation and reality is realizedEverything will sell at a price -The first thing I'd want to do is get the history of the property - how long on the market, why is it vacant - what's the reason for selling -What is the current mortgage balance - is it current or in the arrears - What other liens or obligations are on the propertyHow many owners - decision makersWhat is the commission - will agent splitAre there open to a reasonable and creative offerDo they want any profit or to just get it out of their nameCan down payment be paid over timeHow much paper with they accept - delayed payments - principal mortgageAshley - since you exposed this property to all of us - You should see if you can get the answers to those questions above - and play the game - WHAT WOULD I OFFER?

If you play the right strategy it can be a great area with lots of potential for you to either hustle some turn around money or expand your portfolio.

Before I had a brain anuerism and a stroke I used to play the harmonica in two bands, one of which was in Allen and I went there quite a few times.  

I have purchased several properties (I don't play the assignment game) and always put in my offer contracts that I am a licensed agent, making an offer with a profit motive, and under market value.

Some numbers for your perusal:Purchase price: 70kLand value plus shop 35kMoney this house could easily eat before all is said and done in fixing it $70KValue if we poured $70K into this house  $120-130K todayValue as-is  $55KRent the house could fetch if we dropped $5K into it  $800/moExisting mortgage $622/month pitiCould refinance to a piti of $500/monthI ran a scenario where, if I dropped $10k to stabilize the condition of the house and $25k to convert the garage to a studio apartment (rent for $300), it would be around 10 years before I could break even.Thanks for any advice or insight you can offer as you play the what-if game with me.