If you made an offer on a property that you dont control the short sale process I will tell you that is not that easy to get that much information from those people.  

This is an interesting idea that I'd like to see expanded on.I've read that it's a good idea to stay in control of finding the lease option sellers, but then it might be a good idea to get an agent to find a tenant buyer, but what if I already have a tenant buyer and just need an agent to close, but close what?

If you buy a property that clearly you can add value to (i.e renovate interiors, exteriors, perhaps add a carport that you can charge parking fees on, retrofit plumbing to save on utilities, etc) you can exercise more control over creating value.  

They are thinking of ways to increase the affordability of the first time home buyers, but not controlling the price rise.

What I'm looking for is a way to control the code in the lockbox so I can change it frequently as there are many people going in and out for quotes or to do work on it.There are many options out there that require a smart phone(bluetooth) but not everyone that will be getting in will be able or willing to handle that.

. - This gives you total control over expenses and gives you a bigger chunk of the net profits.

Lastly, when a self-employed individual maintains more than one trade or business, the questionarises as to whether the limit is based on the sum of earned income or loss from all trades orbusinesses under common control [as defined in IRC 414( c)) as modified by IRC 415(h)], or ifonly the trade or business maintaining the plan being tested is used.For purposes of the IRC 415limit, earned income for the self-employed individual is based on the sum of the earned incomefrom all the controlled trades or businesses, regardless of whether the related employer maintainsa qualified plan [Reg. 1.415-2(d)(6)].EXAMPLE: Andy, a sole proprietor, operates a law practice as a sole proprietorand has $100,000 of self-employment income from such practice for 2008 (prior tothe reduction for one-half of self-employment tax).

I have been reading through the posts about self directed IRA/401Ks/checkbook control etc and there is so much information!

I want to add that this also allows you to control the conversation and steer it in the direction you want.

The goal should be to "Control everything, own nothing".