This is taking place in Washington, DC which is a very powerful seller's market at present.A buyer who holds a contract to purchase an off-market property has allowed the contract to expire while the property was undergoing a court procedure to clear title.Informed early on that the contract had expired, the buyer declined to renew or extend the contract, but did direct the title company to retain the escrow payment ($5000).

Agree with above, plus loan mods, and loan mods attempts, bad paper work/procedure with the banks and they have to start over, etc.

The inspection contingency is just part of the procedure.

It was my understanding this is standard procedure.

You likely need to find an experienced short sale agent, and follow the procedures above.

@Rishi PatelI would make these kind of contacts right awayA broker of residential real estate 30 years experienceA broker of commercial real estate 30 years experienceFinancial planner to understand accumulation of wealth with the stock market, mutual funds, etcGo to www.ftc.gov and www.myfico.gov and www.investopedia.com - learn as much as you can thereA real estate flipper locally and understand how you can buy, fix it and resellI would go to Toastmasters right now and learn how to give a great speechSee a title company manager and buy books on closing residential propertyUnderstand leasing property and eviction procedures in your stateLearn what brokering contracts mean as a real estate agent vs not being licensed in your state and see if you can assign or sell real estate sales paperwork in your stateGo to every REIA meeting you can, get a business card that says "I buy houses and solve problems"Pick up books on negotiating Roger Dawson is excellentThat list should keep you going for quite a while

Through Arkansas Law, a procedure has been established to issue an Eviction Notice to persons who have failed to or refuse to pay rent.

What's the best procedure to get the ball rolling with my intended plans?

Since the person is deceased, you will have to find out the procedure from the company.

If they've already been drywalled, that's a bit different than the standard inspection procedure.