I personally encourage all BoA sellers to serioulsy consider an alternative to a short sale like bankruptcy since they encourage promissory notes and will file deficiencies whenever possible.

Alternatively, its a pass through and doesn't show up either place.

If they can offer any alternative to another Joint Venture Agreement that would make them more comfortable and of course is within the bounds of the law.

Seller financing is a good way to buy houses without going through banks because they're a pain to deal with right now.The other alternative, is to raise money from private lenders - not just the downpayment but the whole thing.

More money is the magic phrase to get them to open up to cash alternatives.

It's just like having an alternate name in which to operate your business.

The article also predicts that the new federal Home Affordable Foreclosures Alternatives (HAFA) program, to come on-line on April 5, will have minimal effectiveness.

With regard to the rest of it, I wonder what could be the alternative?

There have been posts that mention installing a cage to enclose the outside unit.Another thread that has other ideas:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/24010-alternative-to-copper-piping-for-hvac-units

I'm using it now, on my couch thinking of the countless apps that would benefit my business and my life!