I personally encourage all BoA sellers to serioulsy consider an alternative to a short sale like bankruptcy since they encourage promissory notes and will file deficiencies whenever possible.

I see in the news today Obama has plans to build 2 new nuclear reactors in Burke County GA, so I was thinking this might be a good time to buy in that area since they will probably have a small housing boom there.

Alternatively, its a pass through and doesn't show up either place.

If they can offer any alternative to another Joint Venture Agreement that would make them more comfortable and of course is within the bounds of the law.

Seller financing is a good way to buy houses without going through banks because they're a pain to deal with right now.The other alternative, is to raise money from private lenders - not just the downpayment but the whole thing.

More money is the magic phrase to get them to open up to cash alternatives.

It's just like having an alternate name in which to operate your business.

The article also predicts that the new federal Home Affordable Foreclosures Alternatives (HAFA) program, to come on-line on April 5, will have minimal effectiveness.

With regard to the rest of it, I wonder what could be the alternative?

There have been posts that mention installing a cage to enclose the outside unit.Another thread that has other ideas:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/24010-alternative-to-copper-piping-for-hvac-units