Other than backing out of the deal based on a crystal ball, not much I could have done to avoid this.

Just want to be sure I’m crystal clear on this and not violating any laws....

I'm an agent with Avery Carl's The Short Term Shop, and we have recently expanded into the Texas Hill County (we are also in Galveston/Crystal Beach in Texas). 

You may want to put a priority on areas that you once lived, went to college as these are areas that you likely have a competitive advantage in.2) Talk to a lender to see how much buying power you have.3) Select your CCC(Crystal Clear Criteria) Which will indicate items such as what type of house you want to buy, the price point, the age of the house and the condition you are willing to accept for the house.4) Talk to Agents / Wholesalers / Realtors Best of luck in your real estate journey.

Having a stable of buyers is critical in deals like this.Unfortunately, my crystal ball is in the shop, again!

With my budget in mind I crystallized my criteria.

Quote from @Crystal Smith: Quote from @Brandon Campbell: I'm under contract to buy some distressed properties on the south side of chicago.

The batteries in my crystal ball are running low.

No one has a crystal ball for prices. 

Again, no one has a crystal ball, with real estate, the stock market, any type of investing.