I'd suggest you do what is customary for the area and not blaze any new trails in collection and eviction remedies.

The home inspection came back with so many items needing repair that my son thought all home inspections were written in red ink (red means repair needed.)If buying as a owner, not investor, there is a lead paint provision that will help you rehab the lead paint for up to $4000 (they will rebate that costs to you) or let you out of the contract if the lead paint estimate is more that $4000 to remediate.

ED is for remedy for municipalities.

Learn the legal remedies and remove the tenant as quickly as possible.

Bill Gulley - I agree with you that years of disaster can't be remedied overnight.

Doubt you will get your money back.For the small amount and fees and time to recover it you would be best to move on.Now if you plan on suing for specific performance then you need to show up on closing day on time and ready to sign your documents.This shows you were holding up your end of the deal and documents if the seller does not show.You need to read your contract to determine breach remedies upon default by the buyer or the seller.

Mold remediation costs can be very difficult to estimate based on some of the things Chris brought up (type, severity, location, etc)...so there is no way to tell how much to pay for the property unless you have a good estimate on the price to fix the mold problems.I have been able to snag a couple good deals because of mold problems, but only after I knew the approximate cost for a solution.

i contacted my usual guy & it was $6k.shop around. these mold remediation companies prey on fear. and they're racking up the bucks big-time (maybe i'm in the wrong business).

The problem is this is a very unique house and needs a full gut, mold remediation and new roof etc.

Earnest money in current contract law is used for a non-judicial remedy for breach of contract.