DTI is a lengthy conversation :)

A good agent should be following up with you periodically to reassess your goals, if you haven't had success over a lengthy period of time. 

Trying to avoid the lengthy forclose I have convinced the investor to sign the property over with a Deed in Leiu of Foreclosure.

@Gordon Cuffe Yes, we had a lengthy conversation in which I found out what was important to her.

This way if they choose to toss them (hopefully after a lengthy search), its not you doing it.  

I think you need to have proper and lengthy conversation with your partner.  

Short sales can be a lengthy process and can take anywhere between 3 to 12 months to close, on average.My wife and I purchased our house through a short sale and worked directly with the listing agent which helped guide us in making a competitive offer.

I had a lengthy post about the story of gentrification in west Oakland two days ago, and you can see that here: http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/311/topics/193883-the-story-of-gentrification-part-1-how-to-spot-it .

Problem is, he's never used the GC, the GC provided a basic SOW with only a total costs, and I don't know how to estimate what those repairs should costs.I have lengthy experience in preparing service contracts and analyzing costs, but in my 9-5 I rely on my customer to prepare the should-cost estimate which gives me a basis to determine if costs are reasonable.

It might be an overkill if you use A/E contract on a rehab, and your contractor might not sign it just for the mere reason that it is too lengthy, some cheap GC are like only handyman with a 2 guy support (most investors are using this type of GC) to get a cheap price and for a deal to work.