You could also take a larger security deposit (if your state allows this) or prepaid rent (if tenant has the money), but you're still taking a risk dealing with people you know nothing about.

One of the other difficult parts is accounting for an being sure that you are limiting your tax liability in as many ways legally possible.

Their interest would be more in capital preservation and green cards, namely the EB-5 program (google it), that will give temporary to permanent legal status for foreign investors that pony-up 500k to 1mil a pop to invest in any US-based projects.

You need to check and make sure there are no quirky laws in California protecting sellers from having to sell even with a written contract.You might stand to gain some helpful knowledge by showing a real estate litigation attorney all your paperwork for review for a few hundred and they can give you realistic options and chances of being successful with your purchase if one seller fights it etc.No legal adviceP.S.

What legal right do they have to do this?

Up here its legal to shoot bores in defense of life and property.

But, in the end, the contract is between the client and the broker and the broker is on the hook for ensuring everything is done correctly, legally, ethically, etc.Generally, you would have an independent contractor relationship with your broker (you'd be the contractor).

The truth of the matter is, I have no legal or IRS issues with this approach, which has been confirmed by several attorneys and CPAs.

I am of he opinion that one should use every advantage to legally avoid or postpone tax consequences.

R Collins Steven Hamilton II (I @ Steven in response to his comments about going to court)I can't speak to specifics of FL law, but I can tell you the general legal concepts involved....When you purchase a property subject to a condominium association, homeowners association, or master association - your obligations stem from accepting the deed to the property.