I agree market play a big roll but I also think a big factor is the particular bank.

While price is a factor, I would be more concerned about using an agency that specializes in community insurance.

Do most investors start by getting their own mortgages paid off, or is that not even a factor? I

I recently acquired a 10400 sq ft building that used to be a factory.

One other factor is that there is a hospital 3 blocks away that also owns a building next door and has expressed some interest in acquiring this property down the road (or at least that's what the agent told us).Is this a pipe dream?  

This was a glass factory for many years here but I really don't know what they do in there now.

Also a factor is whoever is processing the short sale on the seller's behalf, and if the seller has supplied all the correct documents/information in a timely manner.

The real deciding factor is what alternative investments you would switch to if you sold. 

and I'm now working as a nailer in a pallet factory ( about a month).

@Chris Seveney in regards to your comment #2, many who follow the Islamic faith believe that paying interest is against their religion, so I would be careful making a blanket characterization of "that would lend me to believe these people will be trouble."