@Kevin Siedlecki if sellers need to sell they won't care about your credit If they just want to sell they will not sell it cheap enough for it to be a good deal You are looking for people that are motivated sellers Not people that just say they are motivated and then ask retail value for their house 

1. upload 3 to 5 craigslist ads per day, change the wording to suit the type of buyer you think would best fit into the neighborhood2. have an open house each weekend on a Sunday for a couple of hours, make sure its well advertised3. stage the house4. make sure the landscaping and curb appeal is beautiful5. make sure the utilities are on in the property and the air is on for retail homebuyers6. network with people who work with retail buyers, if there is a buyers assistance class/event locally go there with plenty of flyers.7. network with your local real estate investment groups, there are always agents around you work with real buyers

It's good to see that you have a strategic plan and willing to give up your evenings and weekends in an effort to achieve your goals.Don't get overwhelmed by the massive amount of data archived on this site.Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums,Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze, Resources.Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs, webinars and the myriad of bookrecommendations.Also, you can review the quick links below to help solidify your grip on this site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere http://www.biggerpockets.com/ubg http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet Setting up Keyword Alerts How to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets 25 Tips for Real Estate SuccessAfter becoming more knowledgeable and confident because of my above suggestions, take action to snag your first real estate investment deal if new or add to your existing holdings if you have prior experience.Don't get caught up in analysis paralysis.You must immerse yourself in the RE marketplace locally in your neighborhood or afar if the situation warrants it.Take calculated risks if needed and you shall be rewarded!"

As for the mortgage vs owning the home in their name, I think most retail sellers would consider their home to be theirs in their name even if they have a mortgage. 

There is a massive dehumidifier that effectively keeps the dampest part of the home (the 1926 era basement) at 50% humidity or less.

Most of that time has been in retail.

Perhaps those wholesalers are trying to sell the assignment to a retail buyer?  

It's just a step in a new direction so trying to tread carefully and I don't know many people personally in the retail clothing business.

I run a full spectrum real estate business; I hold, wholesale and retail.

We also know the property is currently occupied by the owner, and the retail value is probably about 2x to 3x what is owed.