Or it common practice for them to attempt approach the owner, with a buyer, retrospective?

With your unique travel schedule you have the unique ability to Short term rent (airbnb) your living area while you are away, which could add a strong income for yourself!

With that being said, life circumstances definitely do happen and you do have the ability to change that if the situation was fitting.

I understand that there is a "green tax" since its not common practice but I want to try and make the shift on one or two homes to see if it can be sustained on small scale projects.

The fact they don't teach these things in grade school baffles me...I've met so many people throughout my life who are at a disadvantage because no one taught them good money handling practices and they spend every dime they make.

The attorney will conduct a title search and other due diligence for the buyer to make sure you have the ability to transfer a clear title and title insurance can be issued.

If you have equity in your primary residence though, you could also consider getting a HELOC and using that to purchase, since HELOC funds won't limit your ability to do DF.  

But in all seriousness, as Jeff said, the amount of appreciation over the past 12-24 months gives a lot of sellers the ability to sell before foreclosure because they can get more out of a sale than what's left on their mortgage. 

Especially considering in the last few years, some properties have appreciated 30% to 50%.I don't a practical experience with any of these, but I'm looking into it as well.

I have a mixed use Commercial building and am needing advice on Vetting and Selecting Commercial Tenants. Building is in a downtown area that is growing/developing/lively. Across the street from a large Church. NO ent...