After a few nasty emails and him threatening to sue me if I left a bad review, I paid him in full, $7000 and moved on.

Yes, it's that bad.

I’m pretty sure if your eyes go straight to an air vent, that is bad design 😂 That certainly could have been cropped!

I have great credit but limited capital.

Hi Scott, you don't need to be a first time homebuyer to use an FHA loan and you don't need to be low credit (as many would suppose), but the product probably appeals most to low-credit first time buyers.

You are right, when the inspector mentioned the possibility or prior water damage is when you should of had that basement inspected by a contractor/professional and not listen to your agent.Gregg is right, the sellers were aware of some of the damage which is why they gave you a 5K credit. 

If Don fails to pay, the bank will certainly go after me, it will at least ruin my credit and will likely take me to court.

Also, credit score minimums are higher- often requiring a middle mortgage FICO score of 720 and above.

With fewer buyers in the market due to high rates, investors who move now have leverage to negotiate on purchase price, seller credits, and even off-market deals.The biggest mistake investors can make right now is waiting for perfect conditions.

In order to execute on any of the strategies from #2, you will want to a work/income history and decent credit scores.