Background and Expertise.

I screen applicants based on set criteria for debt-to-income ratio/credit score, apartments.com is a great tool to manage applications, background checks (the applicants pay for both through the site), i have a google number specifically for the property.  

Ask them if they are looking to sell the property in its current condition (they'll likely say yes given the background you shared). 

A little background - I have been educating myself in all things REI for over 3 years now.

We get the SSN and drivers license to get the full credit and background checks.

I'm here to share my experience and help guide you through your journey.The Tampa Bay area is ripe with opportunities, and with your background in business and the discipline from your Marine service, you're already ahead of the game.

Or - switch to LTRs and get a background check AND ironclad lease ready to go......

Anyway, it isn't nearly as bad as you think at first, unless they are suing you for $2,000,000.Sounds like there is more going on in the background (their personal lives) than you know at this point.

My $10k example was admittedly unrealistic.However, by way of further background, @Dustin Heiner wrote an excellent article on this topic on his website masterpassiveincome.com titled "What to Do When A Buyer Backs Out From An Assignment Of Contract".In it he suggests a scenario where the assignee decides not to proceed, perhaps after discovering a big ticket repair item that would cost significantly more than the portion of the assignment fee held in escrow. 

Job history, background check and so on.