Here's the general tactic:- Use a public records search service, sitx.com, agentpro247.com and search for 2 property types:- zero or a little equity, mail to these folks, buy the property for zero $$, take over paying the mortgage payments.

While my husband is very supportive, he jokes that he is not allowed to grow his record collection because I need to grow my house collection first.  

Thank you.I was thinking about option #3 & #4.unfortunately the architect seems to be charging a significant amount for any design changes, that's what lead to the failure to communicate in the beginning.Here's some numbers:Floor Plan Existing 1,085 SFFloor Plan Addition 1,183 SF2-Garage 441 SFDesign Cost Rough $10,000No scope of work define and No specifications.needless to say the Architect of record is no longer associated with this project.I think I will approach them with option #4 to scale the scope of work down, and incorporate option #3 to find way and cut cost.Thanks You very much.very Helpful.Cheers

I usta go to the ones in Davidson County and record the opening and closing bid and measure the sales price as a percentage of the tax assessment.Some of the junkier/average stuff properties typically sold for 15-25% of assessment.

It was certainly in the listing, in the public records, etc."

NO ESCROW: I understand Buyer may choose to “close” this transaction without the use of an escrow company and may record the conveyance documents himself.

I will admit that I'm very thorough and like to make lists of things I'll need to fix, record a video so that I can look back and remember things later (as I've been looking at more and more properties lately), etc. 

Their track record?

(A recorded trustee’s deed or similaralternative confirming amount paid by grantee to trustee may be substituted for a HUD-1) Preliminary title search or report must confirm there are no existing liens on thesubject property Sources of funds for purchase transaction are documented If the source of funds used to acquire the property was an unsecured loan or a loansecured by an asset other than the subject property, the HUD-1for the refi transactionmust reflect all cash-out proceeds be used to pay down, if applicable, the loan used topurchase the property.

Jeremiah, @Derek Tyler  is right, except as you probably know, in MA, property assessments are listed in the town, not the county, and Somerville won't contain Haverhill records.