I offer them a cash down payment so they get a lump sum up front, and educate them on the tax benefits to them of taking the rest of their money over time.  

@Ardin CychoszThis is where each party should get an attorneyA buyer and seller who both have no education or experience probably is not going to end well and you cannot have someone representing both of you.Get an attorney and if you cannot afford one then you should reconsider whether you can afford a home.

A good agent can also educate you about things you might not be thinking of.

Educate Yourself ContinuouslyMarkets change, financing options evolve, and new regulations emerge.

In the beginning, I made the mistake of trying too hard to educate her.

Some are solution-aware and are motivated enough to act immediately, while others need to be educated and/or reminded of their problems.

Bigger Pockets is a great place for education and networking and is full of great content.I recommend that you check out the following resources:1.

Plus if those apartment complexes with their huge marketing budgets may know a thing or two.To be quite frank, even if I educate myself on their processes, what good does it do, when I have no idea what to compare it to, as you might have for example (as this is your niche of business).Drew, I am curious to hear your suggestions, on what expectations should we have of our PMC, and what should we be looking for in their processes.I will be adding the address of the property above in the original post, if you would like to take a look and share your suggestions.

Start small - get yourself a househack, learn from your own experience of owning the rental property you live in, continue to educate yourself with reliable resources, and then worry about the next home.Having just one solid investment will put you ahead of most Americans than trying to find a way to buy 10 doors out of state in an area you don't even understand. 

Hopefully someone with actual experience will respond and educate both of us!