@Ethan Kramer with current rates, what you got @5% is extremely high.

I've been doing lots of reading/researching/listening and am finally about to pull the trigger on my first property!

How would you guys go about this for someone extremely motivated to succeed, with no track record or portfolio.

Our escalation clauses (northwest WA) specify that when you win over a competing offer using an escalation (I think it's the same as your continuation) clause, the competing offer has to be a) in writing and b) provided in full to your agent, to make sure escalation clauses don't get triggered by bogus/inapplicable offers.You could tell them to get the other offer in writing and to send it to your agent, and if so you will send an offer with an adjusted price to compensate for the higher net-to-seller from the unrepresented buyer's offer.

This time it was discovered by our faithful and reliable title company who always does an extremely thorough job.

@Todd Powell, I was extremely critical and as thorough as I could be with background/credit/google and social media with her.  

Door knocking is extremely effective and I recommend every agent to start doing it, if you're not doing it already.Hope this helps.

When reviewing Toledo properties you will discover that the Toledo market is different from all others, not to mention, extremely low purchase prices on fixer uppers as compared to their retail value, Toledo is full of promises.

If the house was in a hot area, 2 beds, might be OK for a homeowner, but the fact that the house is in such bad shape tells me you're not in that kind of neighborhood.So, you're exit strategy is probably fixing this to rent, which means it won't be  using extreme high end finishes and that will save you some money for materials.

I am planning to move into the Baltimore area ASAP (Pending employment) and am looking to pull the trigger into Real Estate investing.