Although demographics play a role, it's more about trying to leverage any local knowledge I have that might give me an edge on the bigger players who are sweeping up properties.

Also, they said they have pre-vetted all the liens already, ensuring that we will be buying liens on great properties.  

Additionally, I would setup a formula to ensure that the owner and employees are rewarded for contributing to that continuity. ie backend load some of the price including employee loyalty bonuses.Good LuckNicolas  at AHC Capital

How sellers can be harmed usually doesn't cross the minds of new players as they don't look beyond the transaction they are dealing in, there's much more to it.

The purpose it to ensure one spouse does not put the marital home (or possibly any marital property) at risk unbeknownst to the other spouse. 

No matter what you do ensure to screen the tenants thoroughly if you are doing the rent up yourself. 

What are some things I can do to ensure that this land is all that's promised?

They will only do 80% LTV of contract price or appraisal (whichever is less) by the letter of their policies, but on our last deal (4 months ago) the one did 80% LTV of appraised value, which came in significantly higher than contract price, giving us about $20k cash out for remodeling expenses.It is certainly a touch-and-go market with the well-established players who have good credit and a clean history still able to do deals.

Corey's post deals with the issues related to ensuring the land is buildable and what can be built there.Another set of questions to answer is about buyers and what they will buy.

I said it is my civic duty to accompany him downtown and ensure that these punks are held responsible.