I don’t mind having skin in the game either, but I know using private money is key to scaling one day and would like to get some experience with it now, even if it doesn’t fund a majority of the deal. 

I have a duplex in Wisconsin and the upper tenant has just notified me that she lost her job 3 weeks ago and doesn't have money for rent this month.

It would definitely be fraud if this was the case, a recent post from an auctioneer talked about this exact situation, where they said the auctioneer was liable (different bedrooms/type of home example you don't have to read it) States would differ though and it doesn't seem black and white. https://mikebrandlyauctioneer.wordpress.com/2022/07/12/no-li...I do agree with you that it could very well lead to being burnt, however.

We are somewhat handy and would not mind fixing up the house while living in it.It doesn't matter where you find it as long as the numbers make sense.

I think in this scenario, I would advise against it. 5 years is a long time to pay off a HELOC, which doesn’t have a fixed interest rate.

Just because there are liens it doesn’t mean they would not be satisfied at closing.

20-25% I guess you have your reasons for the down payment discrepancy between citizens and non-citizens, haha, but it doesn't sit too well with me.

Many other investors offer the same deal and it doesn't cost any upfront monies whatsoever.

Creative financing doesn't involve the bank, the appraiser, the inspector or concessions generally speaking.

Whose name the bill is in doesn't affect the landlord.