Shawn hit it on the money :) also add just network and get out there in the snow and look at some properties, meet agents, brokers, the most important thing is your DO something, *action* and go to your local REIA or real estate investor clubs/groups/organizations!

According to the inspection, the house has no prior evidence of infestation.Our realtor suggests the course of action: We ask the seller to remove the debris.Is this enough or should we ask for more?

I have declared this year as the year of action and have soaked up a great deal of information from the forums and podcasts.

Long story short I've come to the conclusion (like many others no doubt) that a mentor is likely the best course of action for me. 

He is very knowledgeable and provides action steps every part of the way.

We are trying to figure out our best course of action at this point...here's the post if you're interested.  

Since that is a disability don't include it in any actions or conversations on the occupancy issues.  

Sometimes they had to take legal action and it would take up to a year to recover the money.With the developer holding they simply issue a letter from their attorney or themselves saying why the deal can't go forward and that the contract is cancelled etc. and they get the money back right away.On short sales I would have a stipulation say " earnest money given upon written acceptance of all lien holders approval of purchase price and terms " or something similar.

Did REI happen upon you, or did you have a solid plan in action?

Books with specific tips and actionable items would be the latter type.