If you don't sign those docs (for example, if you already found another property), you're never under contract.If you're buying from a private seller, you have two choices:1.

There is risk in all kinds of investing, but if you can not sleep at night with a 30-year fixed rate loan at 4% on a 4-plex, then RE may not be the best choice for you.

Show you say who you say you are, show you are the go to company to get their house sold.If you come up with sneaky ways to "win" them over... and there is an other website competing with you... and they are straight shooters, no need to convince anyone, they effortlessly are the choice house buyers, .. while you are obviously fishing for emails, do you honestly think they will waste time with you?

Not saying what you should choose just use the search function and read novels on the pro's and cons here on BP and then you can make your choice.

Most people with a 680 have a choice so if they did owner finance they probably got a lower rate.  

I will take a wild guess and assume that they already know that.As the landlord, you are now faced with a tough choice - do you want to be right or do you want to win?

I hooked Dwolla up on my website, and gave all the tenants 2 choice: pay at 7-11 for a $4 charge OR pay online for free.

Does that choice differ from where you'd say your local market is?

An LLC may or may not be the best choice for you!

Moreover, if the seller is resisting having the utilities on, I'd view that as a HUGE red flag (similar to how I'd view it if someone tried to sell me a used car, but wouldn't let me test drive it or even start the engine).Since correct and thorough due diligence is the foundation of successful REI, I'd be extremely hesitant to buy a property without testing the aforementioned items (unless the property was so heavily discounted that I could replace/fix all of those items if they turned out to be faulty...but even then, I'd be wary).I'd suggest strategizing with your agent on the best way to get the utilities turned on so you can do a correct inspection...Good luck out there!