Is that mandatory for all deals, or is that something that can be worked around with a little persuasion?

@Pete Perez Check out ‘Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion’ by Robert B.

I hope to speak with each of them and try to get them on the same page (sometimes I manage to be persuasive).I've done some due diligence work today and discovered that there are no liens, etc. on the home, and that what they may have perceived as potential debt responsibilities is incorrect.If I can get them to "open succession" and subsequently get the house under contract, I think the deal may work out something like this:$165000         ARV (Conservative estimate, waiting on comp info - tomorrow?)

I like to think of an example from the book "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" in which studies showed people were substantially more likely to let you cut them in line for a copying machine purely by using the word "because" in your request, even if the actual reason made no sense.

No more buts.In the past few hours, I've listened to a couple of highly persuasive BP podcasts, so now I'm diving into the deep end of the forums.I am looking forward to meeting people through the site, to talk shop, teach and learn, and ultimately, to continue investing.  

These pitches can be very persuasive.

Sales, communication, negotiation, and persuasion are some to start off on.

I can guarantee you that your method would have been tossed by the Court just the same.You can choose a ratio more beneficial than that of the county, but it needs to be more persuasive than what was rejected by the court.Even if you do not have bare land sales, you can probably find comps of similar properties located on different size land, and this is one of several ways to figure out the land value.

Aaah seeking out the power of persuasion -- Persistence is key.

I've thought about the same ideas you pose in your question - some fantastic BP Podcast Episodes that relate are:#9 - Using Hard Money Lenders to Grow Your Business with Ann Bellamy - this one could be interesting for you because you could be the money side of a deal#28 - Note Investing and Raising Private Money with Dave Van Horn - If you sold a business at 19, you must be money savvy so check out note investing#138 - Self Storage, Systems, and SEO with Michael Rogers - Self Storage can provide very attractive potential depending on your geographic region...something I'm looking into myselfIf you find decision making & behavioral psychology interesting, some books I highly recommend are:The Power of Habit - Charles DuhiggInfluence: The Psychology of Persuasion - Robert CialdiniLogic of Failure - Dietrich DörnerLet me know how things go and good luckMike