If something comes up in the middle of a project (and it usually does) then you have to negotiate the additional cost with the contractor and adjust timelines accordingly.

You fund a deal directly with the sponsor, rather than through a middle man.

Then I typically get as a response, "But I figured if I contacted the bank directly, I could cut out the middle man and save us both time and money", and while on the surface that may sound good, any perceived time and money savings is all but gone when I have to spend time and money explaining to my examiners, regulatory agencies, auditors, CRA agencies, Compliance Departments and so many other entities why I sold a home through direct contact and negotiation with a buyer, instead of listing it with an agent and maintaining that "Arms Length" relationship.

Middle age couple with high income, no kids to spend it on, and a busy life where they have little interest in pursuing real estate on their own either.

I've entered into a contract to purchase a 3 bd, 1.5 bth 1600 square foot HUD foreclosure in Blue Springs, MO (middle class suburb of KC) for $49,500 CASH.

I take the tenant to see properties for sale and they pick the property that they want to rent.You may ask "Why doesn't the prospect just buy the house themselves and cut out the middle man (me)?"

I use to live on the other side of the island (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu) and then in the middle (rue Saint-Denis) many, many years ago.As you have already noted, there is a welcoming and encouraging community here on BP with lots of experience and sage advice.While much of the information you will find here is universal, but in the areas of finance, regulation and taxation things are a little difference here in Canada (particulierement au Québec) - working in credit at RBC, you may already be familiar with the distinctions.Investing in real estate as part of your portfolio is a wise idea and if I can be of any assistance, just drop a note.

A bit run down now but with the potential to be nice, working class (can we use that word in America, or are we all "middle class" now?)

Secondly, most homeowners won't think to ask for a credit report anyways, so I wouldn't worry too much about it, especially when you tell them you are an investor and just a "middle man."

It's seen as a country thing, but this park is located in the middle of the city, where single-family homes can be purchased at a price point of $60k-$100k in the same general area.