We have nothing to loose as of right now, but our plans for the future will probably suffer.

I've heard from some podcasts what newbies do to build relationship with brokers is to gather a list of local apartment owners that meet loosely your criteria give brokers a call let them know you are interested in buying and working together and that you have a list of pre vetted owners including name address and phone number...

Time is of the essence and I don't want to loose out on a deal because of this.Any recommendations?  

So technically, I am making LESS money up front selling the house (25k cash vs 30k net worth), and loosing infinite money down the road through rent and property increases.The way to make your money back through retention is to slap a home equity line of credit on that house.

HiIt depends on the demand and speed,If you should be afraid of loosing the property, but you can try to ask your agent what the highest offer is, but you can only know if he is exlusive agent on this property or his company is exlusive, so if they are exlusive and are telling you the highest offer you know at what number you should come in, and you know how much time you have to negotiate on the deal ,If you have no idea, you need to determine if you can risk the deal by comming in lower and you will save money or you will lose the deal,But everything boils down to the same thing depending on the agent if he is exlusive and can give you a good feel,If he is not exlusive give a offer and ask for a counter offer of the seller.In some states it's illegal the agent should tell you at what numbers the other offers are, so you can tell him at my number are there any higher ones, or how is my offer comming in etc.

It is more important to find a company or boots on the ground that you can trust, I use the word trust very loosely, always trust but verify!

You would also have to have cash reserves for at least 6 months, which the bank could required to be tied up.You mentioned you would loose the rent, but aren't you paying rent where you live now?

You are legally bound to honor any lease with the current tenant.

Ultimately, you are legally bound to living in the property as an owner occupant, and if they find out that it is being used otherwise they have legal ability to sue you for fraud and damages.

(hate to loose any capital invested in the lots for the prep work)Wish you luck in figuring this out!