Depending on where your property is located the buyer can ask for an extension of repair after the close of escrow and a deposit held for it. 

I guess his confidence is his lawyer told him if he has a buyer before this redemption period ends, he can likely get an extension.....

I could turn around and discount and sell the paper for the same amount as if I wrote a 7 year 15% note.. and I have used this arrow in my quiver ever since usually to sell my duds  LOL  but you do have to deal with IRS as stated.. there is no question zero interest financing is  an extension of credit. 

What info do you use for Utilities and Misc?

I absolutely do NOT recommend the hard money lender we worked with as they changed their requirements several times before closing costing us nearly double in closing costs & lost 1 month in extensions to close the deal.

Any big industries in your market that utilize contractors? 

For those of you doing direct mail, SMS texting , Cold Calling or RVM - wondering if anyone has head of a data provider or list provider who can provide a SPECIAL list or data info on municipal water departments water turn offs / or where one or some of the following might have happen: 1) Water Meter was locked (Not Public Record info)2) Water Utility Department is owed funds and thus a lien might have been placed against the property (now Public Record info) This could be fertile ground and an indication of a more serious problem associated with a property. ~ Michael Morrongiello

I originally pursued SFH’s, but I happen to own a utility construction company that installs underground utilities for commercial projects (all wet and all dry).

Tenants pay utilities ( all electric).

Get a loan to purchase for $60k (or less), put down 25%, amortize over 15 to 20 years, put $15,000 in it for the initial repairs, and rent it out for $900 (or more) per month and have the tenants pay utilities separately.