Would the listing agent even allow you to do that and could they open themselves up by doing so considering their fiduciary relationship is to their client and none exists between you and the seller?

That is why you want to buy below Market Value.Market Value is the price an asset will trade (sell) in an open competitive environment.Defined as follows: Market value is the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation between an educated buyer and a reasonably motivated seller in an arms-length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently, and without undue influence.The delineation of "After Repair" or "As Is" technically exists only as jargon amongst REI groups and conversations.

I'm open to wholesaling (local & outside of my area)!

And you need to put more effort in finding rehabbers who you can market to directly in case these WBHP's refuse to be creative and/or open minded.

Go in with an open mind.

Those same keys probably would have opened the front door too (until it was re-keyed - we'll never really know).Marc Freislinger is in your area, and he has some comments in this next link:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/45650-bump-keys-scary

You should keep copies of these records and receipts for 7 years (some will say 3 years is long enough; however, keep them 7 to cover yourself).Open a separate business bank account after you obtain an EIN number from the IRS: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html This will be submitted to anyone requesting a Tax ID number for your business.You will make a copy of each receipt or scan them into your computer and keep them in records.

I am in the process of taking possession of a tax lien property that had an open mortgage on it, the bank must not have been able to get their paperwork organized or decided they didn't want to pay for whatever reason.

I grew up there as a child before moving to Canton.120,000 should get you a decent starter home in Woodstock.You can find one that used to be in the 180k to 200k range at the peak back in 2008 for 120k now.When looking if you are not happy at 120,000 in what you find bump up to 140,000 or so and you can negotiate down to your 120 range.You don't need to pay off your credit card balances just get them below 33% of available credit limit and it will boost your score.I know doctors that open up practices and have to pay off very expensive equipment over time but didn't know the schooling was so expensive.

Get it on the market, market the open house for the beginning of the year and start 2012 off with 2 SOLD signs.Good luckDanny