The above actions have not been in vain, progress has been made, and lessons learned.

@Darren Lenick based on my own personal observations from living in the South Florida/WPB Area for most my life, and multiple sources of feedback, all indications are that the area is progressing from a "C" class area more towards a "B".

My progress would be dramatically slower if I tried to do everything on my own.

I made it clear that I am calling to help them clear this situation up and avoid court but if they don't make progress with payments then my hands are tied and I have to serve court papers.

I'd say it's not a bad one either given it's in a known path of progress (beltline).

@Matt HrachovyWill update progress on this post.

Passing on a deal can feel like you are not making progress.  

Happy to talk more about all of the benefits (lower down payment and interest rate/ lower risk/ living for free) Congrats on getting started and I look forward to hearing about your progress! 

Saw this thread was started 8 months ago, and curious about your progress :) 

Sometimes it takes hearing a strategy/technique a few times for it to really sink in and become part of my own analysis and decision making progress!