If they are great tenants and you want to retain them, you may want to reconsider pushing for building and deposit.  

I'm not sure what your situation is as to why you retained a PM or what he/she charges,  But if your only renting out your previous house, and your somewhat close to your old home. 

Generally, if he can't close on the closing date, you have a good chance of being able to retain their earnest money.

This is due to the shear number of rules, black box underwriting via desktop underwriter and loan prospector, the type of person the nature of the MLO/Underwriter professions tends to attract and retain, among other things, that make it near impossible for a debtor friendly experience.I'd like to cut out the bank.  

If a contract for deed or lease purchase, the seller retains title and any judgments would attach, he could remortgage (maybe), etc.

They now retain properties for both cash flow and for the future prospect of once again combining lots for a new development.

You can buy a property in your own name and there are zero issues Texas is a community property state and buying in your own does not mean that it is separate property as your wife would still retain her claim. 

I try to study at night or weekends but I'm usually so tired I don't retain much.Just curious about other people's experiences with it.

It has a nice yard on the water but the water comes up to the retainer wall, no beach.It's been told to my family the long-time owner wants to sell.  

Make sure you retain reserve funds to cover maintiance/repairs.Unless you have plans to build something on the land I would sell it and reinvest in something that has real value.