(E) Find a way to build a wood or foam box around the inlet and install a "common size" grille...

Build your portfolio, experience and liquidity and credit score becomes ALMOST insignificant. 

Hey @Amy E.

I like expired listings who already tried with an agent, and they still need to sell90% of expired listings are overpriced so they don't sell@Jimmy CantaveDid you pose a question here?

There are some online money market accounts that pay at or a little better than 1% if you wish to keep risk lower and maintain high liquidity.  

I got a major equity stake and was president.. ran that for 6 years.. 50 million HML in Bay area.disaster struck in 1989 to 1990  and I sold out in 1992  remember earth quake and war.Bay area took a huge hit then.I then through a sheer luck.. met my future bizz partner around the pool in Maui.. and I got in the timber business in Oregon I lived in Napa valley and commuted form 92 to 2001.. that was a GREAT run and one of the best business I have ever done.went into buying foreclosure in Oregon in 2001 it got uber competitive when trustee info become available on the net.. moved those funds back to HML  ( in those day I just wrote a letter ot the state and got a Mortgage bankers license no test required)  ran that company up to 35 to 40 million then got my postier handed to me in 2008 to 2010 and then put together a company to buy distressed assets.. ran that up to 350 homes form 2010 to 2013 got bought out and had a nice liquidity event.. now I just build houses in Oregon and Charleston and do JV deals with folks in 12 states.

Past that you are at the mercy of the seller taking your E/M and walking...most wont because its a PIA to remarket and sell, the agent will be pushing to get it closed for the commission, but if you have a real deal and someone comes along with cash you could end up getting shafted.If your seller will play ball you can do things like L/O it for 30 days or something to get utitlities switched and tenants in. 

@Amy E. 

After the ten day period has expired if they do pay the rent you can accept it and give them a receipt noting that the rent is being accepted for use and occupancy only.

All leases have expired on the six houses by the way.Here's my question...how would you handle the transition process once I close on these houses?