@Allison Littman To structure the purchase creatively, you could split the $600k transaction into a $400k purchase agreement and a $200k charitable donation to the seller’s tax-exempt organization.

I’ve recommend all my clients to him in the area for the last few years and they have had great success. 

I have had decent success challenging appraisals and getting improved results.  

I 100% endorse adding in the escrows for taxes and insurance to set the buyer/borrower up for success. 

The resources and books you mentioned, like the BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide and The Book On Rental Property Investing, sound like excellent starting points.Prioritizing financial stability and eliminating debt is crucial, and I agree that a solid financial foundation is key to successful investing.

I've had success turning vacant Florida land into private shooting ranges.

Has anyone ever had success doing this?

You snowball plan has a very high success rate.

To maximize your chances of success, recommend sharing that and the percent increase in taxes & ins with tenant and asking them what they think a fair increase is.- If they say $0-$50, you'll have to get rid of them at end of current lease.- If they are more reasonable you may want to accept if for now, but let them know you'd be doing regular increases to get the rent more inline with market rent.Too many newbies here will tell you to get market rent or get rid of the tenant.

Just plan on paying the agent's fee if you are successful.