So @Shaun Reilly do you think a good practice in this scenario would to ensure there is language in your purchase and sales that specifically says, "I am not a real estate agent and am not acting as a real estate agent for the seller in anyway shape or form".

That closing firm will likely be drafting up the mortgage and note and you have to make sure the legal language is not favoring the seller too heavily.

It also helps that I have a few attorney friends and they read over the language for me.Hope that helps!

Lessons I learned:  1)  Make sure you have a strong lease with language that backs up your legal position (we've never lost in court in 28 years)2)  Always talk with neighbors...the more the better, they'll share what's really happening around the property3)  Write a very detailed, specific letter to the tenants and keep a copy in the tenants file.  

He relies on the following language, which he drafted, in an email between us:“if you do confirm and then back out or the deal doesn't happen for some reason not due to my negligence -- I'd like to collect at least $350 for the attorney and $400 for me”He argues that his money is tied up in a delayed transaction, which I understand.

Hey BP members, I'm in need of assistance regarding the language and set up of a contract where the seller is financing me on a duplex.

I prefer to meet people in person so I can actively see their face, body language, and check out their driver's license.

I concur that some callers whose first language isn't English seem to prefer to actually speak to a person. 

BTW, if your contract has language about recouping legal and collections costs, you may be able to recoup the cost of collections.Small Claims Court: Typically, this is a relatively easy DIY legal process.

All the fancy contracts, paperwork, semantics, and language games don't mean anything.