But only do so at a number you are comfortable having tied up (and at risk if you breach the contract).

This is why many investors, myself included, prefer to just do a straight deal so everyone can move on and not be tied down to the property. 

The listing agent should Not tie up an owner's property with an offer they know won't be accepted.

The bank wants as strong or stronger individual assuming the loan than who is currently there.Sometimes there is no pre-pay penalty on the loan and you can go get a new loan instead with less down payment and better terms etc.

On Amazon it is less than $14 USD.Asset protection is also tied into estate planning.John Corey

You're basically tieing up the property so they can't sell it and giving them nothing in return.

And once you have that signed contract the investors can't skirt around you and buy direct, you have it tied down for the life of that agreement.

Sean The scenario is to tie the property up with an option, (making you a principal but in some states that's not enough, please keep reading) hire an agent/broker so you pass the "brokering without a license" issue.

Jeffrey what I tell my wholesalers is that "I buy houses to fix up (which I do) and if I'm tied up with too many projects, I find houses for other Investors.

Rich My order (from your list).... 1.Terrorism 2.Rogue nations 3.Unsecured borders 4.National debt Acually in my opinion, the first three are tied together.