if you signed an assigment contract it sounds like the property changed hands between developers before it was even sold to the original contracted purchaser...USUSALLY, when this happens is as a result of the developer going belly up on a project or the fact that he can't pay off the contractor.

okay, here's an example:we're currently negotiating a house in the number one school district in the statein a premium townshipin a specific area with absolutely beautiful homes around iton a .35 acre nicely shaded flat lotwith a sunset right in the back yardthat is in need of minor repairsthat looks aweful to the untrained eye - and i mean badthat smells like catswith hardwood floors throughoutin need of a kitchen redo (cabinet refacing)needs minor upgrades to bathroomneeds quick finishing walls in basement, throw down some rugsneeds driveway pavingHOUSE was a rental, husband passed and wife wants to sell it.asking price: 299,000 - as is - it is probably priced about okay for the condition it is in.Price we're negotiating for - 265,000 (maximum)Projected repairs - 23,000 (we do the work - 1 month completion)Projected Closing Costs (X2) - 28,000Projected Holding Costs - 15,000 (6 months - 8% 30 yr term - just a regular PITI)ARV - 395,000Profit - 75,000the above numbers are extremely conservative.

Face to face might be more intimidating (and you will get a lot more rejection) but getting belly button to belly button with any possible seller is going to give you your best results.

Whether a percentage of the sale price or just a flat fee?

In my research I have seen this fee be anywhere from 50-100% of one months rent on an apartment to a flat fee of $300-$500 dollars.

Any cash withdrawn is first allocated to your depreciation recapture and is taxed at 25% flat rate for federal and then what ever your state tax would be, then is allocated to your capital gain and is taxed at a maximum rate of 15% for federal and then what ever your state tax is.

i don't have too much money and i'm really anxious to start i just don't want to fall flat on my face?

There has been a slight resale flatting but that's where the deals are for invstors.

House sales are brisk in our area for the first time in over a year but prices are flat year over.

it's flat out robbery.