Don't get involved.

It is rare for me to get involved with a neighbor's financial situation, but before she purchased, I showed her what rentals are getting in the area and asked how she planned to make money on her planned purchase price?

An "exclusive right to sell listing" means the seller is obligated to pay a commission regardless of whether or not the buyer is represented.So, an exclusive agency allows you to bypass the agent, but an exclusive right to sell means the agent is going to be involved no matter what.That said, since this agent is the one who gave you the lead, would it be fair and honest to try and cut them out?

I have spoken to all involved and the note holder asked that we make an offer on the note.

How could you possibly be scammed when a cashier's check is involved?

The guys I had hired to clean out the apartment then took these items to 'who knows where'.Said tenant has now sent me an informal letter stating that he has gotten back on his feet after a divorce and now has the means to properly and legally sue me for improper eviction proceedings and theft of his personal property. he states he has spoken to several neighbors who will attest to the fact that his property was loaded into a truck and stolen. he also states that he documented with witnesses several calls he made to me asking where his things were and if there were any storage fees involved.

It gets really difficult when R.E. agents are involved

If you do this you may want to get an attorney of her choice involved and an appraisal on the property as you do not want someone coming back on you for equity stripping or taking advantage of someone "old and in distress"

Check with several agents til you start to develope a consensus and a feel for the area.Don't rush and don't get emotionally involved in the transaction.

I would say a good real estate attorney needs to get involved with this one...