I'm always thrilled when a buyer uses an inspector recommended by his/her agent -- it generally means the inspector is someone from a franchise company who comes to the house with little real-world construction experience, little knowledge of actual local codes and just a simple checklist of items to test.Find your own inspector, *tell* your agent that you'll be using him, and she has an issue with it, that's her problem and not yours.

The art of the deal, the thrill of the hunt!

I've tried wholesaling but given the desirability of this area, most homeowners think they have oil under their property and can sell for far more than I can offer them.It seems like my only option is to buy a double wide or invest in REITs - neither of which overly thrill me. 

@Bonnie Rhodes I started investing in lemonade stands when I was 9.Then I flipped marijuana in Middle School and ran illegal gambling in the high school bathrooms.

However, if you want to stay in SFR's I would suggest working with someone who can locate deep discounted properties and give you some equity going in so you are not gambling on appreciation kicking in.  

If this property is really owned by somebody addicted to gambling then there is likely deferred maintenance. 

He also borrows the funds that he 're-loans' for only 2-3% from family members that are thrilled to get more than .5%on their CDs, so he is making some there too.

I have looked at these its really interesting and because of overcrowding governments are thrilled with it.

And in any case, is appreciation not just risk with no control (i.e. gambling)?

It's a gamble but it may be the only way to escape without a major loss.