A family member contacted me directly, so my agent hasn't been involved at all with this deal so far.In that case, the only reason that you would pay him the 3 percent is you wanted the assistance with the whole process from negotiation, home inspection, negotiating any repairs, mortgage and closing and title referrals.

A couple other names not confirmed I’m still connecting the dots BUT are affiliated or at minimum names on many of these confirmed fraudulent documents but unclear their actual involvement.

Lost rent from vacancy could easily be several thousand...so, by time you add it all up, it's easily possible for a sewer line replacement to end up costing $40k+ if it involves those types of ancillary expenses.To me, spending a few hundred bucks on a scope to prevent a $40k+ capex on a property worth over half a million is one of the easiest choices I make in the world of REI!

If you don't have VAs or don't have other owners involved, it might be all you need. 

Albert asked about filing a lawsuit against the tenant, which apparently involves a tenant's complaining of personal injury resultant from being in the unit. 

To learn creative financing, you'll want to get involved with your local REIAs, listen to podcasts, follow people who are educators on creative financing, etc. 

It may involve creating a trust or moving the deed into an entity.  

It is 'lost' when investing within a retirement account.2) If the extra rate of return is about 1%-2% it may make sense given all the extra worth involved such as setting up and paying for the SDIRA account and then potentially having to file certain tax forms if your income is subject to Unrelated Business Taxable Income.

@Jaime Farias I think part of the problem is the learning curve of all the other involved parties.

I do have a CPA who is knowledgeable and involved here.