If you pay that, you usually end up getting the place.

I usually hit up north Malibu - around Leo Carillo.

@Andrew Y.Great answers as usual from @Brian Eastman and @Dmitriy Fomichenko  You can do it in an IRA but as they mentioned UBIT will most likely be due if you make money whether it is done in a checkbook LLC or with  the Ira custodian. 

If you can actually get the tenant to do it, you will end up with an extra month's rent at the end of the year. 

The "for Dummies" series is usually a good place to start, and they're usually available at your local library. 

Usually they will either make repairs or give a small dollar amount concession toward closing costs.

Late in a market home ownership is usually maximized by legislation. 

The idea is not magic, it basically involves paying extra on mtg, by using your heloc, then paying the heloc down, then keep doing it.The bottom line is you are paying your mtg off substantially early because you are paying Extra money out of your pocket toward your mtg.  

I’ve been burned before so I’m extra cautious this time around.

Sure, I don't usually receive the payment for about a week later but at least I receive it and I don't worry about it.