Get familiar with price points in your market and what looks like a good deal. 

What makes it a "deal"? 

Only caution is if they don’t have checkbook control and there’s a time crunch going through the custodian can cause delays and red tape to deal with.  

And sorry that you are dealing with a vacant property for such a long time.

I've had to file the claim for the property and I hope it isn't too big of a deal because stuff happens that is out of my control. 

Seller financing allows both sides to negotiate whatever deal that works best for both parties. 

Even those with long track records are strugggling to raise $ as well as break even on deals 

If you’re handy which it sounds like you are, and are able to source and negotiate good deals  (which by being a long time local with an existing social network makes that part easier) then these skills will help you save money on rehab costs and by buying right (critical).

Sub 2 people must have this problem too - how do you deal with it?

While I know that return goals are different for each investor and their specific goals, it seems that a bad or low-performing deal for one person might be what another investor is looking for.