Please advise.This would be my first investment.I live overseas, in the UK.The lot is now reduced to just $1,000.I have contacted two agents via Trulia, and contacted the owner - who has other lots up for sale; but with zero response from all three.Is this listing likely to be real/ genuine (or am I missing something, somewhere)?

Ps- anyone that promises that they have special contacts is most probably not genuine.

I've been around the REI space long enough to know it goes against conventional wisdom so I'm genuinely interested in your thoughts:My wife and I have been working on paying off debt and have paid off over $200k in the past 6 years.

Go to local real estate meet ups and get to know some people and dont tell them that you have that money and see who is genuine to partner with and help you learn and grow without expecting much in return other than some sweat equity. 

As you mention, I want to genuinely help the homeowner. 

But that was the first genuine out of the park home run I had in 10 years of doing this.For rental, I bought a house for $12K, put maybe $8K into it and it rents out for $975/mo. 

This positions you as an expert without you having to feel 'salesly', and builds your name with your future clients in a way that's genuinely helpful.

And not to sound naive, but she does seem like a very sweet and genuine person.Also please keep in mind that I am currently living here, and I will have to hustle to be moved out by June 1, which I plan on doing so that she can begin moving in at that time.Thanks again for everyone's input.

Most appraisers are a joke anyway as they are more worried about job security rather than providing a genuine opinion on the fare market value.They protect their A$$ by using foreclosed properties as comps just to come $10,000(minimum) under.We lost a deal (And it was the last finance sale we did) 2 years ago after an appraiser appraised one of our properties at $20,000 under our asking price.We disputed and paid out of pocket for 3 independent appraisals (Cost us $2,000) and they all came in at price or higher.The lender refused to re-do the appraisal as they have the power to do what they want at their own discretion.Bloody joke lolThanks for reading my rant and much success

Bottom line, network... just make sure you do it in a genuine way with a purpose in mind.3.