You have no idea who owns them, if they are owner-occupied, have renters, vacant, whatever, nor do you know if the owner has any equity, etc. so it can take TIME to track down all that stuff.

You must consider child support that has had a track record of being paid as ordered by a court.

I've been looking around online including Biggerpockets but all I can seem to come across is gurus who recommend the strategy for beginners and would like to to sell you their "proven" system.

In this situation, the offer has been submitted by email at 10K over list price.5 days after initially emailing the listing agent, she still has not repsonded.After calling her all day, every day, she still does not answer her phone.When you call her office, they direct you to simply call her mobile.Follow up emails to her with tracking on them, go unopened.As I'm overseas and unable to physically wait in her office for her to turn up (assuming she's still alive), how would one go about contacting the agent and trying to buy the house?

@Anna Smith to get back on track..yes..lease options are a great and easy way to get involved in RE.And never move to Canada...

I think Ty is on the right track Mike.  

Their track record?

If you prove that you can add value, you may be able to eventually turn him into a mentor or partner.Unfortunately, I don't think it's very realistic that someone will fund 100% of the deal for someone with no proven track-record.

Now this isn't some that is going to magically get you deals but its a way to keep you focused and on track.

Hope your time here helps you get on track with your goals.