You can set a reserve an do it with little risk up front other than advertising costs.I am not suggesting this is your best alternative but I would not hesitate to let one of my properties go into tax sale to see what someone bids.

If its a hold, and you can get it funded and it makes sense vs. alternatives it may be OK.

She made a relatively decent offer, considering the alternative

You never mentioned the market value that I saw.If a large bank writes of anything it would likely be late fees or penalties, principal reductions would need to be justified in the market together with condition, showing that alternatives of collecting are not likely or economical.

I am fair but very firm with them.I generally use the same subs at each job (with an alternate for each trade to keep their prices competitive), occasionally I jettison an under performing sub off to the abyss which sends a clear message to the other subs that I'm not afraid to make changes mid-stream if needed.I buy all materials, subs do not (except rough items by plumber and electrician).

Without knowing that info, if you're selling the place, I would guess that the basement project you've outlined above has greater potential to "wow" prospective buyers than your oversized garage alternative.

Credit reports simply provide a history of an applicants past trade lines and fairly often, rent is not one of them.Additionally, credit reports do not reflect alternative lending, and knowing that the majority of renters are sub prime or borderline sub prime, this means that your renters will likely have monthly debt obligations that you are completely unaware of when calculating their debt to income ratio.

Put in the wood vinyl floor, it will save you in the long run if the alternative is carpet.

Often, I bought properties without saying ED, simply that other alternatives may exist, which was close enough of a threat, but I'd never put it in a contract and simply try to make it as a clean purchase.

I see a couple of alternatives.