If after all options are presented and the buyer still wants to work with you then your truly have a win win scenario a truly trusting relationship and a deal that is going to close.

I will add that, even w/the surprises and hefty price tag on the work, the upgrades still fit w/in our budget b/c we had a contingency built in to our overall rehab budget.

I see this as a no win scenario for me that I will just have to add to my lessons learned file.

Alas, you may have a great point there as I have decided to cut into my "profits" if it meant a "win-win" situation for all.

But I understand the reality of the game and know I'm not going to win hand after hand.

Then, you do not have to deal with any agents.Make sure to calculate and factor in all the costs on top of the winning bid, including:- Back Due Property Taxes- Rehab Costs- Municipal Liens- Past Due Utility Bills- HOA Liens- Mechanic Liens- Eviction Costs / Cash for Keys- Legal Fees- Court Fees- Transfer Taxes

IE: 15k rehab = 15k net profit, 20k rehab = 20k profit, 5k rehab = 12k profit, etc...I think I would be comfortable paying her $2,000 for every deal she was able to find in this way, but I'd also like to give her an incentive to find better deals than that as well...I'm thinking of drafting a document agreeing to a $2,000 commission on any acceptable deal that meets company buying guidelines as well as a bonus 25% of potential profits in excess of minimum net profit guidelines.

That being said, if you file a quiet title action and the lender or their successor can't or doesn't answer, maybe you could win by default.

Tammy, do you actually own the property now as a result of winning that HOA auction?

This business is not a friendly win-win type and you have to be ready to makes some changes in your life and view of the world.