They are probably around 50 (given that their kids are grown up, done with college, and out in the world working), so the previous statement is not inconceivable, I've seen it before.The effect of the preceding data is that there are no previous landlords to contact, nor can I contact their employer... they *did* give references among their neighbors, who I'll call this weekend.

So, if you're worried about wasting your time, don't.

Hence they will effectively outbid the investors who focus on cash flow as the determiner of value.If investors want to invest in such areas cash flow is not a good measure.

I've read advice before that said to use a line like "I usually use $10 as consideration to make this purchase contract binding" or something to that effect.

You can also set a thread to be one you are interested in or set other threads to ignore.The effect on the MF site is I can focus on threads that I have determined are of interest and I can see if someone is posting a reply to a specific comment I made.

Hence it is a bit of a waste to put much time into trying to find out.John Corey

I would want to advertise effectively the same spec property at a price that was just below most of the other ads.

dal1 - I do call on landlords with rental ads to see if they have interest in buying, but I wouldnt waste a visit to view a rental to ask after.

They were effectively outbidding people with more experience like yourself.I for one am happy that the dumb money has largely left the market.

Others get stuffed with a bad deal they can not unload, time wasted and cash lost.You did not say a lot about the actual deal and if you have buyers waiting in the wings.