Risk in buying a short sale currently occupied by owner?

[Vonetta Booker]

I'm interested in several listed short sale properties that are currently occupied by the owners.  Is there a potential risk where a bitter owner might trash the house upon closing--or does that generally happen more with foreclosures?  

[Daren H.]

Having someone (even if it is the owner) living in the property could be a good thing IMO. Someone is in the property and this could reduce the chances of vandalism, theft, etc.

Because it is a short sale, the Seller is taking the action to try and sell. Trashing the property would be in opposition of getting it sold.  I would not be too concerned about the owner living in the property. Like others mentioned, do a final walk through before closing (the same day of closing).