That preparation was a win/win on both sides -- they didn't waste my time (and I knew they were serious) and I didn't have to work too hard to ensure they were successful (and then I got lots of credit :).If I'm wrong and you've been reading and studying for month, I apologize.

I apologize for all the questions...I just want to be prepared.Thanks -Jason

So, as fast as the market was moving, I started buying at retail prices, thinking I could turn these properties over fast enough not to get stuck in the avalanche of an impending real estate crash.

It was fairly dark, much about our economy being a multi-bubble economy, the weakness in housing for various reasons (including the 50% or so cash transactions and the REITs buying up quite a bit), and inflation scares, our massive debt problem, the impending meltdown of the dollar, politicians being inept, and the prescription of getting out of real estate/bonds/securities and getting into gold and inflation-based securities, etc.

Apologies.

My apologies if you have been misinformed.

I ended up calling the company and was able to speak with the owner and he apologized for the miscommunication and paid the next day.

Or is this an impending inspection and fee trap as the underwriter suggested? 

My apologies for the general questions, we are in the early stages of this  - and we are looking to get as much insight prior to approaching a consultant and an attorney.

He apologized for not returning my call sooner, and said the house had "sort of" been under contract for a few weeks, but that the situation was "fluid" now.