Pricing tools that exist on the market are decent, but you also need to know how to control it, otherwise, it will go nuts with unrealistic rates far out and extreme last-minute discounts. 

Also consider all lenders will require to review your insurance when underwriting a loan and it's likely a violation of your existing loan documents to let the properties go uninsured even if they didn't require insurance escrows. 

This is literally the entire reason these companies exists - to get this stuff right.As for why, I have no idea why there has been an uptick.

I wanted to offer him about $50K over what is remaining on the mortgage and go through the 60-90 day process to assume the existing mortgage.

Even if such a loan existed (which I doubt), once Vincent self funds all improvement costs, finance charges, carrying costs etc., I doubt he's any better off.

Our experience is that many lenders/servicer customer representatives may not know the protections that exist for those that want to put asset protection steps in place. 

So, if you put in 20K, you could set the bid up to the amount of the 100K total debt(80K existing + 20K additional) to ensure that the property reverts to you as the lender.

She is essentially implying that these 1% rule properties have something very wrong with them or don't exist. 

Get a copy.2) Bring your trust documents to any bank and open a trust account in the name of the plan with you and your spouse as the trustees.3) Transfer your existing 401(k) funds into the checking account associated with your 401(k) trust.

Quote from @Dave Schimmels: What is a good way to get accurate rent comps with existing tenants based on the area?