This was with a stipulation that the furnace worked and there was no lead paint as she claimed.

Yes, a lot of people have misused it and created problems for ethical investors, but it all comes down to how you write the contract, with the right disclosures and stipulations.

If its been pretty sparse interest over a reasonable amount of time (a couple of months) , I would probably take them with the above mentioned stipulations...one check....... if there are issues, ALL 3 get evicted...M2M lease

In Florida, we can accept partial payments with them signing a stipulation on what day and how much they  will pay.. if they fail to pay on that day, the eviction continues right where it left off

There is no stipulation for any sort of extension. 

@Alexandra Wenzel state law requires a minimum of 12 hours, but it's really your lease that stipulates details.

When you do hire a contractor, make sure your agreement has a specified timeline for each project, NEVER pay more than 33% upfront, make sure you're agreement clearly stipulates that contractor must pass ALL inspections (plumbing, electric and building) prior to completion and final payment.

The bank has agreed to our last counteroffer on the purchase price but now they want me to sign a form stipulating that we have to agree to forfeit our 10K in earnest money if we walk away at any point after I sign off on the inspection (i.e. like if we can't come up with the cash for some strange reason).The bank informs us that this is there way to feel more secure--given my 45 day waiting period---that I'll pay for the property by the specified closing date.

Other ideas...You can get a private loan for just the down payment especially if you buy a 4 plex, if you buy right it can give you more income to pay off everything....If you have enough equity in your current place refinance it now to get your down payment out...Try to sell your current place with the stipulation that you will rent it back for 2 months while you finalize in the other...Sell your place and rent....You can always sell your place and crash at a relatives.

Does your agreement with PM stipulate you meed to review lwase first (doubtful).