To evaluate Real esteate deals for creative financing, start by identifying seller motivations i.e. financial distress, desire for passive income, do they need a downpayment on their next house, etc  and property factors like equity or existing financing terms.

For the seller (John) to defer capital gains via a 1031 exchange, the sale proceeds must be reinvested into like-kind property within 180 days.

Buyer of note thinks seller still carries the insuranceWe sold a loan once to someone and a few months after we sold it the buyer of the loan called us asking for a copy of our insurance.

Do I need the seller to provide me with the mortgage documents and have a lawyer review?

Online Lead, Probate court, Seller needed to sell quickly.

So, I am both a buyer and a seller at the same time, right before the election.

.: I'm curious how CA agents can make a living with laws like AB2992 that state:"If the out-of-pocket costs to pay their agent remain too great and the seller and buyer have not yet reached an agreement on the sales price and/or terms, the buyer may walk away from the subject property provided there is an exit clause, proceed without representation, or approach the seller's agent about possible dual agency representation." 

A buyer making a huge fuss about EMD is likely going to be a red flag in the seller's eyes.Best way would be to negotiate a smaller amount up front and then put the balance of the EMD down once you've gone through your DD.

As a seller of RE ( mainly new builds) We do see parents being protective of kids when they are worried about the new spouse..

@Ramada Evans- 1) if buying as a rental and  financing it - your down payment will need to be a min of  15% of the  purchase price   ( so thats either  30,750 at 205K price or 32,850 at the 219K price ...so  not much of a down payment  difference   2) if it appears that there isnt much competition  or interest in theproperty - the lower price might be OK   3)  you might also consider   asking the seller for a seller  credit you can use towards some of your loan costs   4) get pre approved  if you arent already pre approved