If you buy hoping to make money through appreciation you are not investing you are speculating, and that is a much higher risk game. 8)

In the case that my Mother's neighbor sold their very similar home for a certain amount, you get an idea of what actually sells- not a speculation of the value based on statistics.With that said, comps can be emotion driven as buyers can fall in love and must have a property- potentially driving the price higher.

We live in the greater Miami area and as all of you know, it's one of the most speculative markets out there.

I don't care because of many other intangible returns I receive.Folks who buy a personal residence or invest in real estate for appreciation are speculating, to me.When one buys real estate for a significant discount one has a built-in cushion.

I'm not so interested in Single Family Homes as I'm priced out here in the city and I also feel condos can actually yield more than investors speculate in Washington DC.

It's a goldmine for speculators, as it sits just 4-5 blocks away from one of the hottest gentrification projects we've ever seen in this city.

These also can be speculative meaning that the values are not so much market driven as much as they are based the hope of what it should sell for.  

From what you told, I might guess what's holding things up, but speculation isn't really going to help.

The idea is that the state doesn't want to have homeowners getting screwed, but investors are speculators so who cares. ;-)Some high level info below, but yes have a qualified attorney help you to make sure you're well represented...http://www.lonestarlandlaw.com/owner_finance.htmlEven when using a CFD you should do title abstract work on the subject property, even though the closing will likely just be in an attorney's office.  

Based on your own statements this appears to be a primarily speculative move as opposed to a investment.