Have some big goals to fulfill and look forward to getting them started with the biggerpocket community!  

I have written about a dozen posts on this topic, and before you take anyones advice (including mine) please take a little time and consult a business attorney that specializes in real estate transactions, many will do this for free or a flat fee.Some things to keep in mind:1) Any lawsuit against a business/individual that is awarded, (meaning the person suing wins a judgement), places ALL assets available in that business/individual to fulfill the judgement.

I love what I do, but I'm looking to build some serious wealth so that I can fulfill my dreams of not only owning a flat in San Francisco and a home in Napa, but also giving back to the community in too many ways to name. 

I can share my knowledge, experience, and interviews with others to people I will probably never meet, yet will benefit from my experience.To me, as a 45 year old guy, knowing that my YouTube videos, and blogs, and podcasts will most likely survive much longer than I will, that gives me a sense of "fulfilling that promise."

or is this something I should disregard and the company needs to go after the previous owners to fulfil their contract?

And if you find plenty of retail buying opportunities where your modest positive cash flow needs are fulfilled, why don't you buy ALL the ones your funds allow?  

Its a little ironic that this business is more fulfilling and satisfying when you are learning something new every day, having to be creative because cash flow can't buy solutions, solving problems others can't, and acquiring the knowledge you need to be successful.And then, once you have your system in place, the cash is flowing, and all your needs are met.... how do you stop what you are doing and go in a different direction?  

Title stays with seller, but there is a legally binding (and sometimes recorded) contract to transfer title when the contract is fulfilled.

That changes at the closing table when that duty has been fulfilled.

So, submit a contract with a reasonable closing date (perhaps 60-120 days out), and if the bank can't get their act together in that time period, you can legally and ethically back out of the deal, as you have fulfilled your side of the agreement.That said, I tend to write all my short sale offers with due diligence periods defined as, "Shall start upon binding agreement (when the seller signs the contract) and continue through 10 days past bank approval."