With the difference between a property's sales price and the amount of its encumbrances being equity, eyebrows start to raise with so much as the appearance of skimming and/or other shenanigans, which the 2008 fallout brought us in the form of foreclosure prevention acts protecting homeowners against...operators with less integrity than others. :)Regularly seeing wholesalers ask close to if not retail values for property, and/or other shenanigans, like advertising sub-to terms, a violation of the due-on-sale clause seen in most if not all mortgages, even the sale of property, considered licensee activity, when all they have is equitable interest in said property, at best.

Plus, whatever appears to be the "best" market to you, also appeared that way to thousands of other investors already competing with each other in that market.What's important here is that you choose a market ASAP and focus on building your team there.

However, we (my parents and I are the owners) noticed that they are using the HVAC in excess and using what appears to be unnecessary electric (TVs and lights remain on even when not in use and air conditioner is running constantly).

The Flipster web site list a lot of benefits for only $97/mth and the way his site and funnel is laid out there is no other cost showing but there is always the up sale pages after the initial buy so Buyer beware and always review the actual website before you buy.

I wish that were the case but it doesn't appear so. 

I've seen other buildings that look just like mine around boston and it appears that the space is being used some way.

If any red flags appear, you can always make your offer contingent upon the property being vacant at closing. 

Instead she texted me the day that she was supposed to take keys and pay that when she had viewed the home at an earlier date it appeared inhabitable.

Wayne below clarifies the situation the broker Ken is just a broker.. the lender it appears is really Lima One.. 

I'm only given 80 web leads a month by my brokerage and when it comes to prospecting, I want it to be the last resort to knock doors.