There's no reason to provide details, though I do let people know if anyone asks that we do not accept bulk up-front rent payments or anything like that because I absolutely do not want a prospective tenant to think that someone else swooped in with a bunch of cash last minute.

Then came Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People.

If I am all in on the property for 360k (purchase and some finishing construction as well as carry costs) and the home is valued at 450k or more (based on what im told by agents as well as my own analysis while staying conservative), that is 20%+ equity I believe, unless I am missing something.

No debt, they bought this place for like 200k in early 90s, quite old people. im not sure if they will be alive for the 7yr term but they chose it..The reason im putting so much down is im buying w gift money and i want low monthly payments.

I'm sure they are taking advantage of people.

In general, most people value STRs for sale based on the income of the STR.

These are the people - in my opinion- that need loan brokers the most, since they really don't have a grip on the market - and are thus more susceptible to agreeing to suboptimal loan proceeds / rates / terms. 

Give them a couple of options, they already know the unit got foreclosed, most people move to avoid the hassle. 

People even do this in Vancouver though it must be extremely challenging.  

I am in talks with a couple people now.