I have an offer in on a property setup exactly the same with big house in front and a little additional unit.

Not following the requirements (within Seattle city limits will likely have additional rules and regulations) opens the seller up to liability.Additionally, the seller always has the option of offering "cash for keys" arrangement but be sure that no funds change hands until after the property is vacated and locks are changed.John

Examining “risk” we see two different additional risks.  

Additionally, we can run an automated instant valuation to save you both time and money on appraisals.Please let me know if you’re interested in getting a quote!

Without seeing your lease, if the lease says that 'charges are due as additional rent' the charges may fall into housing delinquency law.

THIS ADDITIONAL MANDATORY CONSTRUCTION COSTS UNDOUBTEDLY GETS PASSED ON TO THE HOMEBUYER!!!

So even if the cash flow is only 3% or 4% cash on cash, that’s enough to provide a protective layer to cover unexpected items.To me, the cash flow is NOT to put spendable cash in my pocket NOW but rather keep the property self supporting while it increases in value over the long term.In addition, every property a purchase has a cash reserve fund - call it my rainy day fund or my Sominex account (ie I can sleep at night knowing if the furnace goes out I have $8,000 in my reserve fund to replace it.)One final note, I have found once one reaches a certain net worth, cash flow no longer is a concern, there is always as much cash flow as anyone wants.Final note, who will have more cash flow someone with $1M investible cash or $3M investible cash?

The best advice on this topic, in my opinion, comes from 2 books:How to win friends and influence peopleNever eat aloneI am also looking for brokerages to work with or even experienced shadow / intern for to gain experience and additional knowledge.

Additionally, I viewed over 40 properties this year before purchasing my first rental property.

Sometimes they don’t like that because you don’t have skin in the game.As for advantages to the seller - are you going to pay them more for the property, that would be a perk that I offer in addition to making a little extra on interest for the duration of the loan.