The agreement is made to transfer title after the buyer performs their obligations under the contract.

@James SyedIs the building performing?

Can't recall a seller disappearing, they may not answer calls.Two options; walk away or sue them for performance.

If the contractor doesn't perform do you have the capability to finish the project on your own?

The best performers are ultra short term strategies, such as statistical arbitrage (that what I do).

Has anyone used a "Performance Clause" with their contractor, whereby there is an incentive for finishing early and disincentive for finishing the repairs later than specified on the contract?

Another example, Glimcher is one of the leading performers among REIT's at the moment.

We will be requesting information on each of the residents, so that we may perform background checks...etc.

Most Realtors assume market performance and begin at the neighborhood, I'm guessing investors do as well.

All purchasers are strongly encouraged to perform a walk through inspection at or near the date of your contract acceptance and, again, immediately PRIOR to closing.