Obviously the lender could put contingencies on the POF letter, but then it totally loses its value. 

Tax liens and certificates can be a  mine field where you can lose all your money without some decent research.  

What are the pros/cons of the following:Owners home: FMV $200k, owes $130k, house is in decent shape.Owner loses job, can't afford to stay, going into foreclosure.I buy the house from him at what he owes and allow them to stay for 1 year NO CHARGE to them.13th month, the rent begins at $1k (FMV) per month.

Your on the right path and even breaking even or losing money isn't always a loss.

The biggest issue I find on a roof are old nails starting to work lose.

Some people spend so much time that they lose valuable time they could have actually making money.I say go for it man, its free!

Paul, my condolences for the loss of your wife and the immense sadness at losing your daughter's mom.   

My question is how would you all take advantage of this opportunity and what would be your strategy to invest as much of the money without losing it to things like taxes.MODERATOR:  SUGGESTIONS AND ADVICE ONLY IN THIS FORUM.  

Pro:- Obtain a 3rd property- Possible appreciationCon:- Losing a 15yr fixed @3.375 for a 30yr @4.5.

Seems to be opposing arguments here- 1) Without the money man, I would have nothing-so better a small percentage of something than nothing.Or 2) Without me, the money mans money would be sitting in a bank and losing value yealy to inflation.