Many renters have pets (many have secret pets too) and some owners will just not notice secret cats (for business purposes), just to keep collecting rent from the resident so they don't move.

If the work wasn't done to code, you could end up paying repair costs, building code fines, and suffering loss of rental income, since some jurisdictions don't allow you to collect rent until the building's defects are cured. 

I'm interested in what others have found to be the best approach(es) for improving the chances of collecting back rent.

As for the short sale aspect only, you may not be able to collect a commission, as the buyer, depending on the investor/Servicer.  

In order to successfully do so, I am trying to collect some money on the side to purchase a home in France.

The problem with investment properties is sometimes seller's really aren't terribly motivated to sell, because since they are collecting rent each month (assuming there are tenants in there) then it's not a huge deal if they don't sell for their asking price.That being said, sometimes I tell my investors: what's the worst that can happen?  

You use your money to leverage your way into more expensive assets, time increases the value of those assets (hopefully) and maybe you get some amortization on the debt, you collect rent and get tax deductions.

It's a collection of the best flipping info from the site.Oh - and be sure to set up some Keyword Alerts- especially for "Aiken" so you'll be notified when people mention it here in the forums.Thanks again for introducing yourself!

They can collect from the insurance then go after the equity.  

The benefits to seller is that they can collect additional income via interest on the loan, potentially a higher purchase price for the use of seller financing, and they can spread out their capital gains tax exposure (if any) over two or more years rather than all in one year.Benefits to buyer using seller financing - ease of loan docs and no lender qualifications, no appraisal required, speed of financing, additional leverage avenue, potential to have lower interest costs than a hard or private money loan, no points or loan fees, etc.The key to seller financing is how you negotiate and how comfortable you can make the seller with the scenario.