Either they really need it and will not give back down payments because they can't afford to, or they realize they've found a sucker and can't wait to cash in on your ignorance.I'd say chalk it up to a win, as you learned more about doing proper due diligence before signing the dotted line, and overall this lesson was extremely cheap compared to the price that others have paid when breaking into real estate.Best of luck in the future!

I'm a new agent and am simply excited about where I am.

A great starting point would be simply to ask a RE agent. 

This creates a WIN-WIN Situation and gives the Realtor incentive, to work harder on your behalf.

I ultimately decided to stay closer to home until I get some wins under my belt. 

Simply make a correction on it, initial it, sign it.

An election can be made to move the $5k and the associated interest over to Sch A so you won't "lose" the decision in that manner.But if you can't find a way to apply the capital in a feasible manner, don't make a hasty decision simply for a $225 write off.

I won an Auction on a Bank Owned property, and it is still occupied. Not sure whether the former owner or a tenant is residing there. Looking for some good advice on how to proceed since this I have zero experience wi...

One specific question I have with this group and others is what prevents a sponsor from refinancing in the latter stage of a deal and simply returning only an investor's original capital contribution and then subsequently selling the property and keeping all of the appreciation for themselves?

Wondering how go about getting the correct documents/money if you're not sure what the winning bid would be.