Oversimplifying it just a bit, the investor profits from:- a non-refundable option paid by the tenant-buyer which gives them the right to purchase the property within their option period- the spread between the rent paid by the investor to the property owner and the rent paid to the investor by the tenant-buyer over the life of the option- the spread between the price ultimately paid by the investor when they exercise their option with the owner and the price ultimately paid by the tenant-buyer when they exercise their option with the investorClear as mud?

The title company cannot find a release for the loan from 1998 and says they need proof from the seller that it was paid.

That way they don't get double paid and everyone is happy and they still get something if you don't close on anything. 

It looks like water is not being paid and I can only see a small fee every month (that is over due) meaning the meter is likely disconnected.

I’d rather have more properties with mortgages than a couple paid off properties.

Quote from @Shawn Questa: Hi all,I am curious what some of the Pros would do to Help a Seller in this situation while making a Deal happen.I found a 200+ day old MLS Listing where the Agent said the Seller is in Financial Ruin, hasn't Paid the Mortgage in a year, owes about 180k on an approx. 210k House and multiple Buyers have backed out.I don't know how someone could not Pay their Note in a year and not at least be in Pre-foreclosure. 

Cash flows are generally paid out monthly to investors and right now I am seeing distributions around 3-5%.

Paid-in-full real estate almost always results in sub-optimal returns.Do this math. 

In Florida where I live that amount is the first $50,000 for a married couple are exempt.So to put all that into action, let's say the previous owner paid $100,000 for the property 20 years ago and lived in the property.  

Any other fees such as close out fees or payoff demands are paid out on the back end when your loan is refinanced or paid off.