A real estate agent would probably be the best bet for a smooth transaction.Not being from around there, but having visited that area, it feels like it's in between two markets, Charlottesville, where University of Virginia is, and Richmond, our state capital.Would you mind sharing what the address of it is?

It has already been a crazy roller coaster ride, one day everything is smooth sailing, the next day we run into a major issue that needs a remedy.

A good agent will sell you and your offer to the listing agent effectively, and most good investor agents are known as such by the listing agents, and carry a lot of weight that things will get done smoothly and professionally. 

Or would it be a better idea to wait a while, that way we can aim for a smooth transition when we take ownership.I will likely be posting again in the weeks to come in order to pick your brains!

read the other investor in phoenix, tenant trashed rental on move out...low credit score but was paying....dog poop everywhere, slider window smashed, all doors left open, curtains missing, be careful if they are smooth talker or maybe exchange the info from other investor...?

@Carl Fischer, Thanks for such a smooth transaction on my SDIRA that Camaplan is helping me with.Ed

If you play your cards right, 4 years could give you a smooth transition from The Marine Corps to real estate, assuming you hit it hard for the next four years. 

How do I make my business running smoothly and my life easier ?

Trust me, it wasn't as smooth as I am making it seem, however, once the house is sold, it will be worth it.

We agreed to this as the owner is very well settled and has lived there for 20+ years and we wanted a smooth transition.Our realtor called last night and the seller is having a major surgery done in the next few days, the seller is asking to reduce rent ( to around $450) in exchange to help manage the property like mowing, adding salt to the softener.I am very against this idea, it was the seller who wrote in the 30days for free and under market rent, which I think is very nice of me to agree to, I do not want the liability of him getting hurt while mowing, shoveling snow and such, also if he does these duties it gives the appearance that he is still in charge of the property and I do not want the other tenants to get that idea.