So even if you had a buy out agreement negotiated up front and execute that buy out agreement, the bank would still require him to be guarantor unless something drastic changed on your side financially.The best scenario here would be to purchase and rehab the property using a hard money lender or bridge lender.  

Are you looking to buy a duplex for your house hack?

Buy-in is often more conducive than other more saturated markets and there's such a wide variety of options to choose from. 

You are generally going to either buy it at 95% of value or what is owed, which ever is lower. 

Focus on analyzing properties and starting small, like house hacking or buying a single-family home to rent out rooms, while ensuring cash flow and maintaining an emergency fund.

Give them all a call and see if they are willing to sell and if not are they in the market to buy.

Not following this - what does your buddies property have anything to do with a property you are buying?  

IMO those numbers make a lot of sense.I think its better of an investment than trying to buy OOS.

I’m looking for a tax pro that will assist with understanding and maximizing deductions and business expenses, but also guide me through the cost segregation and accelerated depreciation process. 

I buy real estate but I carry debt which is actually tax deductible, my money works for me.