Sometimes the asset manager will just do a deal right away or will demand the listing broker expose the property to market for a few weeks at least before accepting something.

He did a test to see if the gas valve was bad.

- Is any down payment suitable acceptable?

If he didn't, then accept his original bid anyway and go with him.

Usually if all sellers on title have signed the purchase and sale and the bank has given back written acceptance approval of the short sale then you have a deal.The issue might be getting a seller to sign closing docs that doesn't want to.

I'd rather use my own lease for obvious reasons, but how do you guys get the seller, who is normally the screener, to accept your agreements instead of his?

If it were me, I'd probably make your offer based on what you want to pay, and when it get's accepted, be sure to schedule an inspection and have a 10-Day inspection contingency.

I just received word that the bank accepted my offer for an older home.

Everybody has to find their own level of acceptable risk.

If so, and he truly want to sell it (not just testing out the waters), please contact me.