If the seller still needs to work out details with the title company I would definitely put that property on your back burner and keep looking for more while he sorts that out. 

From an outside perspective, this could be a great investment for you or it could be a money burner and a headache.

One month for permits, three months for construction (but likely four to five), and then sold within another two months.Comparing the building department in Oakland to Berkeley: We acquired a lot in Berkeley, and that one is going to take a nightmare-ishly long time to get through the building department, but the profit is fat enough to be worth it.

Those fat margins can be very tempting, but there is a reason they are giving it away!

There is a lesson in here with for the bright young men & women who are today being brainwashed on YouTube and other forums to detest and shun higher education and professional 9 - 5 jobs by “gurus” who obviously don’t want too many smart sophisticated people around on this planet so they can sell their generic advice for a fat fee.

What works the best are HANDWRITTEN signs, yellow with fat black marker.Houses wanted -WE BUY HOUSESCASH OR TERMSFAST OFFER 24 Hoursxxx-xxx-xxxx

Welcome, Grasshoppah, but do not disavow your choice in avatar so quickly.For it is well known that in all such choices we seek to reflect some meaningful personal truth.Embrace your fat Elvis and let new wisdom flow from the depths like a high colonic.

I have been reading about real estate for years and continuing to push 'getting started' to the back burner.

That would be a big fat NO in my opinion.You are going to entrust 1 million dollars of your money without even knowing if they are qualified to help you??

Also, he talked me out of a deal that would have been a fat commission for him but iffy for me.