(essentially, just get it off the market and lock in the price) I would like to fix it up, then actually purchase it at a later date.

Definitely keep us up to date on how your flip goes.

They will owe you rent between the date that they paid through and the date the property becomes occupied again.

In other words ask for the refundable deposits (as a buyer) and state a prorate date for the rents.It would seem possible that an escrow agent could overlook this, although they usually ask about this.

So now you have to compete with hose for rentals...Again i think you find one that at least has recent up dates to some of the big stuff like roof furnace etc... you go in and clean it up new pain some updated fixtures etc... and be picky with who you rent to... many times the girls are better but in reality not always... plenty of party girls who like to keep a messy filthy house.

If you inherit it, your basis becomes the value on the date of death.

am i supposed to set up a time and date to meet with them afterwards?

This is a primary reason you will see on any balance sheet (financial statement) being stated "As of a certain date".

Don't use Zillow, it will be out of date quickly and the estimates there are an interesting starting point, but unreliable, especially for rental numbers.Also, there comes quickly a point when you need to talk to a local agent and have some discussions on the phone about what you are doing.

Date of deed, date of recording, date they feel like it?