How do investors purchase their homes?

[Kadeem Swenson]

Hello, I would like to purchase an investment property (distressed,pre-foreclosure)  in Brooklyn, fully renovate to make it modern/contemporary including exterior and Airbnb the rooms out. I would also like to make a bottom unit for myself. I would only be in Brooklyn for half of the year and maybe Airbnb that one out too. Could I make this a reality with little money down, Including funding the renovations? I don't know if this is possible but I'm not surprised by anything in real estate investing anymore.

P.S I was thinking I could request seller financing from a motivated seller, but how could I finance a full renovation, especially in an expensive market like Brooklyn?

Thank you, 

[Christopher Phillips]

@Kadeem Swenson

Most loans aren't assumable. They are some exceptions.

So, you would have to pay enough so that the proceeds cover the past due payments, penalties, and enough for the owner to move out. That would mean that you're overpaying for the property.

Owner financing only works when there's equity. Shortsales usually don't have equity. Occasionally, you will find an homeowner that lost a job or retired and are behind on their mortgage but still have equity. But, they can't just sell you the house and not pay off their mortgage.

There is the possibility of doing a Subject To where you take possession of the property, make payments to the owner, who then continues to pay their mortgage. But the bank can't find out and you run the risk of the owner walking away and not paying their mortgage.

But, you're seriously are not going to do a Subject To on a $1m property in Brooklyn.