I'm all for crafting a deal that works well for both parties, but not one that is totally advantageous for one party.i've also attended auctions and other events in an effort to just get my name out there and start cultivating relationships, which I believe Real Estate is all about.

@Ned J. does that not mean you should be more meticulous about keeping personal and business separate.

The sample motivated seller questionnaire (and explanation paragraphs) on this page will equip you to avoid this common newbie mistake.If you're new to wholesaling or creative real estate investing, you can save yourself a whole lot of mental and financial anguish by asking a series of two or three questions to help you decide whether to deal with a property seller or not.The information you gather from a well crafted motivated seller questionnaire can also help you determine whether the property in question is worth investigating further, regardless of what you find about the urgency of the seller's situation.The section below will take you through a shortened sample form and discuss each section in detail.Contact Information Full NameHome PhoneWork Phone (maybe fax also)AddressSpouse Name (if any)Email AddressProperty Address (For Sale)How did you find us?

You don’t' know what you don't know and are about to get your lunch eaten.In addition to a well-crafted note (i.e. not written by you or your borrower or words requested from an internet forum), the only way to remotely protect yourself here would be to record a mortgage and get a personal guarantee and even then it’s an obscenely risky deal.

A business plan is a good idea to craft, as it also allows investors to visualize the big picture, which helps you maintain focus on the important goals rather than on any minor setbacks.Real estate investing can be complicated and demanding, and a solid plan can keep investors organized and on task.

I think it's interesting how home owners believe they can do every task in a house but professional contractors 20+ years  in the business will be very strict in sticking to their specific craft.   

Everyone has their own path, and it's how you will respond to adversity and difficult situations such as this one, that will strengthen and craft you as an RE Investor. 

They plan to sign with guarantors.Is there crafted language you use in a lease to serve the purpose of the guarantee (payment of rent) and to protect the interests of all parties when guarantors are involved?

Maybe the question should have been better phrased as:1) I sent a letter to someone who recently lost a loved one asking if they'd sell me their deceased love one's house2) 95% of them didn't respond to my letter, even though it was well crafted, as noted by the 5% who did respond3) Does anyone out there have things they say in their next 3 letters that work for getting people to call them back?

I have not read Mary's book but he is right-It is not "hit the easy button" but the more you do this & hone your craft and create systems like Michael Gerber (e-myth) teaches then it gets much easier & more profitable.