@Bryce Cutler Here are some websites I've heard of:directrentdeposits.com - Little to no information on it, sorry.depositguard.com - I've heard a lot of good about them.paynearme.com - This one seems like a game changer to me.

. $867,000Construction of a 4BR 2.5BA 3,000 SF home will run $750k ($250/SF)Breakout of $750k construction is as follows:$100k - soft costs (architect, permits, etc)$400k - Contractor - shell only$200k - finishes$50k - landscapingAll in costs pre-financing $1,617,000FinancingLocal Private bank will finance 60% of as complete value ($2MM) -or- 80% of total project cost.Loan of $1.2MM at 5.5% + 1% loan fee.Financing cost over 12 months $50kRequired skin in game (down payment) - $417kPost Construction Sale $2MM(less) $1.617 Acquisition/construction costs(less) $50k financing(less) $100k sales commission @5%equals $233k pre-tax profitCash-on-Cash Return = 56%After tax profit = $150kAssuming 35% income tax / Total ROI = 36%Would you do this deal?

It's all part of the real estate investing game. 

But I think that if you can calmly and coolly and methodically prove that the value is only $X, while he may reject your offer initially, so long as you maintain a decent relationship he will come back to you after it sits on the market for 6 or 12 months.Unfortunately, that is a waiting game you may not be willing to play and you will be dealing with somebody who is far more emotional than logical about the whole situation.

Hope to make an O's or Nat's game one day.

It's a whole different ball game.

Mehran, It's true man faith and knowledge are key to succeed in any business or life purpose, even at the hardest circumstances...Hey Vala is great that you enjoyed being at Colombia...it is funny you remember that game Haha tejo is awesome!!

Sorry to say FHA is the only low down game in town.  

Cash flow is the name of the game in the market you are targeting.  

Hope this helps but i am the same way, when people cold call me asking if I can give them an estimate to repair a house i ask them who they are and where they know me from, The contracting side is a relationship game just the same. watch the flipping shows on TV and they have the same contractors go out to look at the house and they always say, "same flip materials" so these people have developed that relationship and know what they want and what to expect.