Do you sign the lease, and wait for the money til the lease start date prior to move-in, or do you require the deposit and/or 1st mo. rent at the lease signing?

IE. she cannot just make unreasonable demands and expect you to fulfill them.You mention California is a very tenant friendly state and I see you are in Milburn.

Sell, take cash and wait for market to turn?

The seller mentioned he was going to contact them (seller is a licensed agent) but if I'm being honest, I'm not entirely sure what my role is here other than the fact that I am giving a check for a certain amount. 

For some reason, I can't get the @Mentions feature to work right now.

If I see them or talk to them about something else, I'll mention it as well.

Don't forget the fees which typically are a few %.... but like @Jay Hinrichs mentioned your credit will take a HARD hit.

when I was with the state of Oregon investigator who was interviewing me regarding unlicensed wholesaling in our state.. this was one of her question.. she says wait a minute this is not an investor they are not buying it.. they are just making an assignment fee.. also just putting EM down in their eyes is not equitable interest.. so I don't know Oregon seems that the way people wholesale is violating the licensure laws..

is it better to wait until the risks of increasing supply and economic slowdown subside? 

Earlier in this stream of comments it was mentioned that Fort Lauderdale is not a good location to invest I'm wondering why he would say that is it due to the price is being too high?