You need to determine the possible loan terms you would get and the P&I for a new mortgage. 

I’m looking to purchase a handful of townhomes in 2019. And wisdom tells me that I better do some homework on the HOA’s that I buy into, because they could turn a cash flowing property into a nightmare real quick. So,...

The market doesn't start picking up again until late February, assuming that this is a retail, owner occupied property. 

@Wiley Strahan Thank you for your feed back and Yes @Walter Aaron Poling response was very helpful I was kind of like what should I do now, but you guys have gave me a better view as to how I should handle picking an agent.

During a short sale, the banks are allowed to conduct market analysis and get an appraisal to determine if your offer should be countered with a higher price. 

Now, I understand he has to work and is in the middle of buying his own house, but as far as I'm concerned if you want to be included in this stuff then you need to pick up the phone. 

Your basis determines gain.

If the lender determines that a transfer was made, they have the right to call your loan due.

Leverage their knowledge to determine if you could afford this property if you sold your existing rentals (that likely are cash flow negative as a set). 

(my post is based off the assumption of you knowing how to analyze a deal to see if it's a good one or not) The first move is to determine if you want to be hands on and actively managing a deal and the day to day of it or do you want to passively invest in someone else's bigger deal?