The real answer would come from contractors actually looking at the situation.

Is it possible to get a contractor in there to give you an estimate of the repairs?

In your offer to the bank I would include a contractors estimate of repairs.This lets the bank know that while your offer is low, if they want a good price they need to fix something before its sold.Several of my short sales where done this way, the first counter was high and when I asked the bank if they looked at the enclosed estimate of repairs they came back and approved the sale.

i insure 3 contractors/developers that are taking advantage ofthe go zone tax advantages and the MDA funds.

Once the funded this part you temporarily become the owner, which allow you to sell the property in Part 2 of the TransactionPart 2 Here you have to decide whether you will selling the property in a Land Trust, Double Closing, Assignment Contract or an option Contract.

Should I buy the property and hire the flipper as a contractor or act as lender and have him take deed to the property??

Carry this a bit further, let's say that some contractor buys a bassboat, a decent little $40,000 dollar boat and finances the boat.

I suspect your contract or the addendums say something to the effect that the buyers only recourse if the seller breaks the contract is a return of the earnest money.

This from a contractor who I called to give me an estimate on installing a window through the hole.

I was looking up the contractor RGC Builders, Inc. and noticed that they advertise on their website that they have insurance and workers comp, but when I looked up the contractor on the Palm Beach Contracotrs Certification webpage I discovered that RGC Builders, Inc does not have either.