@Charles Worth,Just curious as to why you think it might not end well.No investment is guaranteed to produce a return and all investment involves risk, especially the risk of loss including, but not limited to, the amount invested.

After doing research on what @Charles Biter said about "Equity Skimming" I don't think I will be moving forward in the transaction.  

Those states seeing an increase include: Delaware: foreclosure starts jumped 113%Arizona: +76%Utah: +63%Connecticut: +50%Oregon: +20%South Carolina: +3%Massachusetts: +3%Virginia: +3%Of the 1,713 counties analyzed with foreclosure starts in July, 36 percent posted year-over-year increases, including Maricopa County (up 43 percent); Prince George’s County, Md.

If the agent calls me (they are usually slow to follow up) I will make a reasonable offer subject to inspection and a study period.Everything is negotiable - CONTROL IS KING - learn how to control real estate - it is a short cut to cash flow -  it is the best way I know of assigning properties.Who controls real estate - An agent with a listing agreement (treat them well - they are in control for a period of time)An accepted option agreementA buyer with an accepted contract of sale with contingencieshttp://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M...Charles

@Charles Worth It was realizing exactly that level of complexity for achieving diversification that led me to conclude that (a.)

You can find all the contractors you need -- just go to Lows or Home Depot 5:30 in the morning and talk to the folks buying material for their next job - negotiate Charles 

@Charles R Mull Welcome!

My name is Joy and I reside in Richmond, VA, with roots in Prince George's County and Howard County in Maryland.

Like @Charles Parrish mentioned, who controls the property, controls the deal.

Hi @Lowden Charles and welcome to BPIn my opinion that call will be driven by if you need to recoup your invested capital quick in order to move into another deal.If you lease option it, you could even get a slightly higher price for the house and a nice cash flow but you're likely going to have a good chunk of money into the deal for the length of the lease.