Structuring of the deal with seller financing

[Jaroslaw Karbowski]

How would you structure a deal with sellers that's willing to provide financing for  three properties located side by side. Sellers looking for some down payment, reasonable  % interest rate and long term financing. All three  homes in need of  some TLC.  2 of them currently rented and one is occupied by the seller.There's a possibility of taking all three homes down and build 6 new townhouses. 

Thank you 

[Brian Ploszay]

You should have preference in transferring the deed of these properties to you (or your entity), rather than doing a "contract sale," where the deed remains in the possession of the seller.  

As far as the rest of the negotiation - attempt to get the lowest price, the lowest down payment and lowest possible interest rate and the longest term for financing, with no penalties for repayment.   Usually, I ask them first what they will offer, rather than make an offer myself.  Typically, the negotiation first focuses on price.  Negotiate hard on what is important to you.