We're really not trying to make money off the deal, we're really just trying to unload this without losing money.

My tentative plan is to accumulate (over the next 3-5 years)-3-5 light/cosmetic flips-3-5 hold/buy rentals-1 vacation property (beach or mountain)I'm considering driving for dollars, marketing to owners of neglected properties and using other methods to help folks that need to unload properties GET OUT and then turning around and creating quality housing opportunities that are (hopefully) more affordable for families than much of what's currently available in this market. 

Not bad, even with a 20% increase to lumber after the Houston hurricane.

I like wood floors plus in glen burnie for flooring, other places are cheaper like people giving stuff away or unloading extra stuff on craigslist etc.

playing devils advocate this screams of someone unloading a property they don't like for various reasons.. tenant base.. property condition.. etc etc.and sucking you into giving him 3% up front and you lose it if you don't close.. wonder how many 3% he has gotten from others :)

They also have other investors who may be wanting to unload properties.I also search all the usual online sites when I have time.Hope this helps.

I recently published an article on why steel helical piles are more effective than lumber piles when building/securing a homes foundation.

In Florida, I've had several jobs from grocery store to unloading trucks to delivery, but for the past three years I've been in property management leasing apartments.

Are we talking about 2x4s, sheetrock and compound, or are we talking about an entire house, cabinets, vanities, plumbing fixtures etc...Personally if just straight building materials (lumber, framing, nails, etc) I would probably find 2 or 3 local supply yards (you can try HD or Lowes, but a supply yard will probably be as good price wise with better material) and get quotes.If you are ordering an entire house worth of products, you most likely will do better buying different pieces/parts from different places.

I believe the owner is financially hard-pressed (hence the tax delinquency), so that could explain the desire to unload the property.