There used to be character in a comic strip - I think it was Li'l Abner - who had his own private storm cloud over his head."

Cloud Real Estate in Killeen is a good one.  

Or do I essentially take ownership with a cloud on the title?

Your decision making process in REI will be clouded and faulty when you're in a financial bind.

I can't sell it because of a cloud on Title.

JC - Having access to money to use to buy property can be an intoxicating thing and can sometimes lead to clouded judgement.

I have had this happen several times... my solution is simple.If they don't go through with the executed contract (that fact that they accepted the check and didn't cash it doesn't mean much) tell them that they have three options...Option 1 -- is to continue down the path and sell the property to you as agreed to in the contract,Option 2 -- they can buy you out of the contract for a price determined by you based on your expenses and a reasonable profit for you time (my best payout in a situation like this was $5K)... orOption 3 -- you will record the contract against the deed and cloud the title until they agree to either options 1 or 2.Best of luck!

The mountains lock in the clouds and gloom.

It's a free cloud based accounting program that's fairly simple to set up and use.  

When investing or doing business it is often important to not let emotion cloud your judgment.