,Out of state/Country investing is one thing, doing it with assets that have to be tightly monitored is another.  

But, I'm a firm believer that there's always a solution.

If the appraiser is having trouble with comps, isn't that the solution? 

You can map this thing out and figure out best solutions.

Since it's upside down, the only reasonable solution for the seller is a short sale, not a sub 2.

I'll have to continue to monitor this on my upcoming offers and see where I land.

Joe's master lease is a good solution, but understand, a lease or promise to pay future payments is an extension of credit!

Most of the suppliers are great at helping find the best solutions for the proper fasteners to secure to cement.

Well he is a partner in two other businesses and makes descent money annually, but I am sure he would like to go up not down.After I posted this in the forums, I have spoken with a couple people and with what we spoke about and my own ideas came up with what I believe may be a solution.

Then monitor it and if it's just as bad you can install plastic over the dirt floor and install a French drain around the perimeter inside the crawl space.