@Stephen Rinaldi in which states do you offer this?

Now the debate of where rates "should be" would be based on the quality of product each person/owner offers. 

The buyer is willing to offer $50k for the property as part of a seller financing deal with a chunk paid at the beginning and the remaining amount spread across 5 years and after which, the buyer will refinance and take over the mortgage.

He would be an excellent resource for you. 

Those who have excellent credit can pick and choose more and they will not bother with you and your $50 fee. 

I'm going to look at 3 more properties tomorrow and after getting a better handle on numbers in the last few days, we should be putting in some offers very shortly!

I am so glad I found the group and can't wait to research all that this site has to offer! 

I made an offer within a few days of it coming back online and closed 4/21/2017 at $44,000 below the original listing price in less than 30 days.

While you've already explored Harrisburg, Allentown, and Scranton, consider expanding your search to include other rural towns around metro areas that might offer a more stable and landlord-friendly environment.

I would love to hear any advice and insight.Thank you Did you follow-through with making the offer?