Like Jay Hinrichs stated above, there are good signs that real estate will most likely not take a big hit during the next recession.

John, You need to get a purchase contract signed with the seller that has language in it allowing the right to assign the contract.

I understand it is winter time however, I tried to advertise on Zillow, Craigslist, Facebook, yard sign, and I do get a lot of interest but I can't find the one.

I want to be able to head down there and sign some papers because come May 24th, I will be “homeless.”

And I asked them what I was signing and they said that they were promissory notes.I have done over 50 closings in the past 3 years and the docs have always been referred to as mortgage documents so I thought they they were two separate types of loans and two separate types of documents (especially since the mortgage documents usually ran between 50 and 70 pages and required multiple signatures).I learned that one of the several documents that I sign is a promissory note.

Next time you are there, check to see if the Pergo is buckling/peaking a bit at the seams--that's a sign of moisture.If this is to be a rental, I'd completely rule out carpeting and look at vinyl planking--it's water proof, and easy to maintain and repair. 

I have also told them that I can wire money into title immediately after they sign the contract and again close as fast as title can move.  

The lender will have to send the originals that your mother signed.

After meeting this applicant we became concerned because they had so many ammenments they wanted to make to the lease (the lease was not signed nor do we have a deposit from them), insistance of blinds in the kitchen area for privacy, plus we got an overall uneasy feeling about this person.

Have someone sign a contract to cut down the lumber and take it, for free, but they can't sue you if you're hurt.