So long as the property isn't chemically contaminated, they'll take the house and just knock it over.2) They buy 50 properties sight unseen, knowing that a handful will be absolute disasters, but the law of large numbers are in their favor that the ones that's aren't terrible can be purchased cheap enough to where it doesn't matter.3) They have a rehab crew / contractor and they just need a junker property to keep them busy on days when they aren't working on another major project.  

There are also other sellers in different situations that work in your favor.

The lender said terms would be more favorable with taxes/insurance put in escrow.

Meaning that even in an eviction the judge may award in your favor minus the late fees.

My plan was to focus on learning and creating a business plan with the goal of making my first investment purchase in 8-12 months; however chances are high that I’ll be moving to New Orleans next month for a job opportunity and I was hoping that the BP community could offer some advice on my options.My move to New Orleans will most likely be temporary (~2 years) before moving back to the NC/SC area (Greenville, SC most likely).My company offers a fairly generous relocation package in which closing costs of a new home would be paid for by the company, but I would need to make a purchase relatively quickly.After selling my house in NC, I’ll have around 100k that I could invest with an annual salary around 95k.House hacking sounds like a potential option; however, my new job will involve a lot of short-notice travel which would make it difficult to do much property management myself.I’m leaning towards purchasing a small/relatively cheap single family home in an area that is hopefully favorable to appreciation (any location suggestions?)

You mean 75/25 in my favor?

Are the demographics in your favor, or in your face?

The odds are in your favor that it will all work out. 

If you have less than stellar credit, little money in the bank and no assets, they can lend based mainly on the deal itself, but you will get the highest rates and least favorable terms.

So just be aware you aren't doing them any favors by inviting them out to lunch: they are doing YOU a tremendous favor if they accept.First, I'd introduce myself.