Everyone else needs to accumulate wealth at a faster rate than previous generations and owning a personal residence is not the appropriate vehicle for that, unless it fits within your plan.DIY RetirementStep 1: Passive income pays mortgage on personal residence (Social Security Replacement)Step 2: Passive income replaces W2 income (Pension Replacement)Step 3: Accumulate other wealth to leave to heirs (Legacy wealth)If you can get to step 2 while still being employed then you can retire at anytime.The old mentality was work until 62-65 and save 2 million for retirement, and live off of the interest of $100k per year.

I have started with that mentality but haven't seen any properties that sellers are willing to part with under worst case assumptions.

You're right in that there's a mental shift that takes place.

I never go with the whiners or the ones that display "victim" mentality.

If the rehab over-runs your allotted, you'll be prepared for it.You're usually always dealing with the who's who of mental health.

I find it to be a health hazard.

And get referrals from agents.You can use bandit signs - We buy HousesYou can develop a marketing campaign with print and PPC on the net and social media.You can drive for dollars.Here are others.Place a newspaper ad (major daily)Place an ad in Pennysaver, Thrifty Nickel, Greensheet, etc.Bandit signsDrive neighborhoods looking for vacant houses and FSBO'sCall FSBO adsSearch MLS for junker propertiesSearch MLS for expired listingsContact landlords who are evicting a tenantContact landlords with properties for rentPre-foreclosuresForeclosure auctionsREO'sHUD & VA housesTax salesEstate salesProperties with outstanding building code violationsProperties with outstanding health code violationsCondemned propertiesFire damaged propertiesOut of area ownersNetwork with professionals, i.e. attorney, CPA, REALTOR®.Network with service people, i.e. letter carrier, pool service person, lawn service person, newspaper delivery person, carpet cleaning people, plumbers, etc.Bird DogsWholesalersMagnetic car signDistribute business cards EVERYWHERECareer attire (Polo shirt with embroidered "I Buy Houses" logo)FliersDoor hangers

This becomes a health and safety issue and can require a 24 hour eviction.

I'm willing to work with other individuals that have the same mentality.  

There were 3 of them (The sellers cousins) and he has not spoke to them in 13+ years.He is trying to track them all down to get the signatures and thinks he can maybe get 2 of the 3 to sign but doesn't think that he will even be able to get a hold of the 3rd cousin as he has a record of mental illness and homeless behavior.If this were you, What advice would you give to the seller in order to wipe his hands free of this property.