Have the owners put any skin in the game?

But with your background you might do some more research, there are many ways to skin a cat so to speak and you already know the basics, time to get a little more advanced I'd think.

We typically do a lighter color (ex. pine) laminate floor with a cream color wall and white trim.

Lenders want to know you have at least some "skin in the game."

You could do a "right to continued marketing clause" in the contract if you do not want to put hardly any skin (money) in the deal.The seller sounds evasive some and that means they are usually hiding something.

To quote one of my bankers " We want you to have skin in the game."

Might have missed my point, the listing agent will have experience and they are not working at all for you, their goal is still the highest price and quickest done deal.I agree, get an agent on your side that has experience in REOs, one with thick skin who chews on raw meat!

LOL, that's okay, I have thick skin, but I think I am better looking.

At 3.5% amortized over 40 years, even if you're in the property with no skin (100% financed) you're looking at P&I of $1000/month...I can't imagine the taxes amounting to $8400/year on a $150K property.Sounds like some math homework is in order or you're leaving something out.

By keeping active you will eventually find your niche in real estate.I like the saying "there are many ways ti skin a cat" lolSame goes for making money in real estate.Also, don't get discouraged if you loose $$$.