I suspect most who requested cash for keys had previously received cash for keys.What I do instead is explain:- the housing shortage in my market and that an eviction will forever make it difficult to find a quality rental in this market. - I will ding their credit such that all credit cards and other debt will cost them more.- I will keep their security deposit for funds owed.- I will do my best to garnish future wages until their debt to me is paid in full.This has worked 100% time so far.  

Additionally, as a new investor, I am curious if you would recommend this strategy based on your accumulated knowledge and expertise.

Quote from @Nick Am: @Michael Plaks--> The SE taxes are STRICTLY NOT in addition. 

Hey Tyler we hate to hear that your experience was negative sincerely we would have hoped that we could have come to a resolution we know that you and your partner had made a request that we do $800 of work that was unfortunately not in your scope of work at the time we had exhausted $4900 in additional work to ensure the property was to satisfaction which included a new hood range upgraded lvp flooring additional framing  new window and a paint upgrade from a single color format to a multi color format and can lighting all of which was never in the original scope and unfortunately when we requested that we do the work you declined I’ve attached before and after videos of the home for reference https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/h0ddll4cyp5g5gq12o73s/Video-J... always twos sides to these stories.. 

Are there any additional considerations?

With substantial equity in your Fort Worth rental, a cash-out refinance could free up funds to purchase additional properties.

Seller will be taking a 30k+ loss with this route.325k with 50K down to seller, 3 years of payments $1600/month, and a balloon payment of 215k at the end of 3 years.Benefits to me: (1) 10k less downpayment, (2) with the conventional route, the loan would be at 228k after 3 years of payments, so I will gain additional equity with the 2nd option since I will owe 215k (presumably I will have to refinance at that time).Benefit to seller: she gets over asking price, 50K upfront and $300/month of cash flow.Does this offer and structure sound reasonable?

I would suggest getting another full-time job for the time being and investing/doing STR on the side until you can fully and comfortably replace the income that you would be receiving from your job.Is your LTR in need of repair?

We were told the addition of any other pet-related up-front charges would likely not be considered favorably by a judge. 

Additionally, confirm the transfer won’t lead to property reassessment, which could increase taxes.