Here's my short list of the primary reasons people leave their houses , during all economic cycles:1.

Even if they tell me on the fifth they're leaving at the end of the month, I'll let them go.

The most important part is knowing all that needs to be done, and not leaving out anything that eats profits ...which comes from experience.Good luck.

You can be up and running quick without leaving the house.

Would it be illegal for me to give the seller say $3,000 if he turns the key over to me, moves all of his stuff (including junk out) leaves the house clean, doesn't destroy it on his way out and moves out on time???

If my ultimate buyer's goal is to own a salon with units (arghh) then thel opportunity could be to buy at big discount, stop the contractor bleeding, re-sell the property subject to the existing first and wrap it with a second after getting either a big down payment or other major skin-in-the-game consideration from the ultimate buyer.

I'll try to specifically watch for signs of that.I can only hope that any financial problems will leave traces in their credit reports

I find myself just asking for the key code so i can view properties on my own time and leave them out of doing nothing more than opening a door for me.I have met very few realtors that are really good and there value comes form a vast knoweldge of a market or area as well as really good contacts or access to potential deals before they hit the market. these people are very hard to find.

I'll take $25-$50 non-refundable fee for checking credit, and leave it at that...Thoughts??

but perhaps you could do the common areas with new molding and leave the bedrooms as is.