But- surprise surprise he says he's broke and can't afford it. 

I've redacted the first name of his property data website such that the moderators won't have a hissy fit.The do a great job on the industry standard for foreclosure sale dats (not surprising since that's how they got their start). 

You will be surprised how many people have an interest.

I was surprised to hear a lender would do an appraisal without some kind of payment first. 

You may find a buyer though that is looking for exactly what you have but do not count on any bank valuating it the same or appraising it the same and if they are your buyer's lender don't be surprised if they appraise it much lower than you would like.

That type of project can to difficult, costly, and filled with surprises unless you've got a knowledgeable team in place, I'd move on.

I believe there are surprisingly quite a few people from Wichita on here, how many are active on a routine basis is another question though.Have you attended any of the Wichita REI meetings?  

When I asked him if he ever received a letter "we buy houses cash"... he said no.... he never did in many years.I was surprised and thought... maybe there are good opportunities.... vacation homes are typically the first ones someone wants to sell when is distressed and have lesser sentimental value for the owner and typically have some equity (as traditional financing asks for bigger down payments to get a mortgage for vacation homes then residence)Can you share your experience buying under priced houses on vacation places (beach or ski resorts)? 

There have been recent threads suggesting surprise visits to the applicants current home, and in-person visits to their listed place of employment.  

This way, the investors feel like "this guy's on top of it" and you'd be surprised at the positive reactions you'll receive once you start putting it out there.Some of the bigger investors i know who invest large family funds and the like all are saying "there's a lot more money out there than there are good deals".