For SEP and qualified plans, net earnings from self­employment is your gross income from your trade or business (provided your personal services are a material income­ producing factor) minus allowable business deductions To learn more about self-employment income rules, see the following. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center

And by a small operator, I am referring to contemplating getting started and researching whether this could be a viable and legally acceptable strategy for an individual looking to do a few deals a year, but potentially exceeding the magic state set number for private sales.

I totally understand that he's likely not going through every e-mail individually. 

It seems to me that you just went online and found a property and just read the description and put the exact numbers on your calculations.

When it does get signed, that becomes the binding document for the transaction.Regarding commissions; I have seen this in various online confidentiality agreements (CA).

Try and seek out a coupon on line at Harbor Freight or in one of their coupon books at the store and sign up so they send you one when they are issued.

While I haven't met her in person, she's great online.  :-)  I also recommend @Dawn Brenengen. 

I've heard somewhere online about the "Seller Side Only HUD" or something to that effect..looks like it isn't true. 

Also browse your local market online and by driving around to learn about neighborhoods, home values, etc.

Add on insurance ($130 according to Realtor.com) and property taxes ($340/month per this online calculator) and you're at $3,105.