I'd do it if it helped me in some fashion while still getting me a profit.

IMO. this seller needs a commercial agent that has a "rolodex" and can sell this property in a timely fashion for top $$.... 

Good old fashion check or money order.

Thanks  If you want to target sellers directly nothing is more effective than good ole' fashioned snail mail.

Utterly dumb luck and just plain old fashioned talking to people...then shut up and listened and learned, when I found out they're smart, experienced and can teach me a lot!

Keeping in touch in a friendly fashion, wishing him luck in the sale and keeping to your numbers may help.

Communication and empathy can go a long way towards resolving things in a timely fashion.

Most investors will hone their mailing list sources to get the best return but you will always have return mail if you are sourcing deals in this fashion.

Deposits are not the landlords money to keep, so I don't see how you could leverage them in any fashion.

Christopher,My wife sales real estate in southern Oregon. she has a few investors that she has built relationships with, they to find properties on there own and buy properties that she has found for them, both parties put a significant amount of time in the business relationship because it produces cash for both parties.Even on the properties that she has not found for them they will cut her in in some fashion, if they are flipping they may give her a week to bring a buyer from her investor pool, if they are holding they may slip some cash for other efforts.