As gasoline prices reached $4 per gallon that fall followed by the ensuing recession, the vacation market crumbled.

In my view you should have been more responsive/attentive during the 1st and ensuing years.4.

I would say the only scenario to purchase this property and/or try to wholesale, whether through the mortgage holder or the owner, it is if there is significant equity for the headache that will ensue.

I suspect a bidding war will ensue if the open house was packed today. 

With record lows of inventory and true madness ensuing all around me to compete for properties, where is a newbie to start??

However, this is not an easy process and may not cover the true worst case scenarios (off the top of my head: dog decides to maul a passerby on the property and lawsuit loveliness ensues, cat works their claws into a water line and hey-presto!

Shenanigans ensued.4 - Investor sells for a high price on payments and wouldn't fix items that stopped working.

And if a deal ensues, I will kiss you (on the cheek) that is a promise!

I grew up in a house with a finished basement flooding and know the nightmare that can ensue. 

I am certain that a price war will ensue when supply outpaces demand.