It's easy to get people started because the entry barrier of price is so small, but human nature kicks in and they try to find the path of least resistance and instant gratification. 

I would call it a red flag if they resist giving you everything you request for your DD document list quite quickly, their speed and thoroughness in response to that shows their willingness to sell imho.When you schedule your inspection you want all your professionals there at the same time to go through a single time, contractor, inspector, and any specialists you think you might need like roofer, engineer, etc.Also don’t feel pressured to make your DD and inspection time as limited as is common in SFR, give yourself 2-3 months at least, again, from when they deliver the docs you request.Besides financial DD you want to do physical DD not just on the property via inspections but visiting the area during day and night, weekdays and weekends, to ensure you have a feel for everything that’s happening at different times all the way around the block.

I'm tempted to type it right here but I'll resist.  

And, no, there really isn't a way you can buy it and leave his mortgage in place without a subject-to deal.As long as you are not afraid of being scoffed at, you can tell him, look, I'd normally want to buy this at $100K (I have to resist scoffing at you myself) but I know this is rehabbed and ready to go. 

If there's resistance after my real world talk, they usually filter themselves out when they realize we run a pretty tight ship and stick to our rules. 

But the vast majority of the sons of rich men are unable to resist the temptations to which wealth subjects them, and sink to unworthy lives.

Other option is to hire a lawyer to lobby for you, but that will be an expense, and the path of least resistance is to gain favor with the neighbor and council person.

that's a lot of bread to get the leads.. so you need tons of seed capital.those that have little to no marketing money to start .. pretty tough unless you bag a deal right out of the gate to keep you going.its the same for real estate agents getting started in that industry.. when  I had my shops and interviewed new licensed agents it was something we talked about.. you need ONE years of living expenses in the bank to even think about starting in this business.. same with wholesaling.. to try to do it with no money while it can be done .. flame out is virtually assured because of lack of capital in your small business. 

What I mainly take issue with (okay, that sounds harsh) is that a lot of people are saying nothing in the economy is showing signs of going down in a ball of flames so we have time yet. 

CBS is stronger/ more resistant to hurricanes2.