I'm not actually interested in investing in California real estate, it's expensive with very low returns relative to other parts of the country.

I found a house off searching tax liens, and the seller is an elderly person who has a relative helping to get the house sold before the lien redemption ends(this month)They refuse to do a contract, i even offered to make it just a week long, at least enough time to market the house, throw it on Craigslist whatever, as i know they have limited time.I think they are trying to work other angles, which i can appreciate, and they seem eager to sell( i got them down to $10k + i would have to pay the 4500 lien) Recent solds show about 32-45k comps, and my agent says the area(moreland ave) is a lot of investor activity.Today they told me "we'll do a contract once you have the funds ready, but we don't want to do all the contract paperwork, we just want cash upfront".I explained i work with investors and I can't market the place without having a contract, and i wouldn't want to knowing they can sell it from under me.Should i basically forget about it and move on?

As a fellow Orange County resident, I can relate to your cash-flow dilemma.

If they had major health risks or were uninhabitable there would be a problem getting financing.

If the income you're making relative to the net proceeds (equity) or return on your equity is high enough and the prospects of appreciation are strong relative to your other options you may want to keep it but, if you're making a total return of lets say 15% but prospects for 25% return can be obtained safety in abundance then you may want to consider to grow your money quicker by selling your property.

We say here about some small towns, if they aren't related, they use to be.

I am relatively new here as well - but have learned a lot in just the last month.

So @Kevin S. you need to also research the easements related to the parcel. 

I am fortunate to live in a region with a relatively stable real estate market.

The roof leak may or may not be related.