Should I try to option her property for a month and do due diligence on this or do I just make her a numerical offer and then stay in touch with her when she doesn't take it?

I have been offered a non-performing 1st and have the due diligence package along with my own comps and assessment.

Do the math and all the due diligence first, though.

That's why I don't venture too far from areas I am familiar with.The financial pro-forma on a deal is only part of your due diligence....what's on paper may not be reality.

What service have you guys used or recommend to pull credit on borrowers when doing due diligence on a file?

Finding out how fast houses sell at certain prices in certain neighborhoods, etc.If you start doing your due diligence now, when you have a little more saved up you will understand your market a lot better.

You will have to do your due diligence though as I've not lived down there for 2 years now.

is due diligence when you go to court house and research the title ,and figure out where the property is and drive to look at it,and what else?

It's the due diligence where most people drop out of lien investing.

These are just a few.Based on what was provided it seems like more due diligence would really be needed to make an informed decision on the investment.