I find it silly when sellers force their exchange for an underperforming deal just to avoid $25k of taxes. 

Sellers can avoid paying transfer taxes to the county, while buyers are spared from facing significant property tax increases.However, it's important to note that lenders typically only approve these loans for properties with five or more units.

Typically starting with a smaller rehab budget of $50K or less (maybe a max of $75K) and avoiding a 1 to 1(or higher) ratio of purchase to rehab costs is recommend when you are first starting out. 

Stay disciplined and avoid rushing into deals without thorough due diligence.Resources for InvestorsIf you’re new to investing in distressed properties or looking to expand your portfolio, consider leveraging resources like:Local Realtors: Realtors specializing in distressed properties can assist in locating off-market deals and navigating complex transactions.Community Forums: Attend a local investor meetup or join online forums for the Phoenix market.Educational Tools: Search out webinars, workshops, or courses on investing in distressed properties.Final ThoughtsThe distressed property market in Phoenix is creating some excellent potential for the right investors willing to go the extra mile necessary to take on strategic risks associated with this category of real estate.

For example, avoid wasting time comparing new construction with sun-soaked windows to basement units with stained drop ceilings.

In his words, this is away around the due on sale clause that you can run into in a sub - to transaction.My question - if the seller puts the property in a trust, will this avoid the potential of a due on sale clause?

Do your homework, build a team, and avoid analysis paralysis.  

We also tell them that we charge $25 per hole for TV mounts, shelves etc I think that $10 up-front investment has reduced the number of issues by probably 80%.Our walls are textured (sand textured in Milwaukee, orange peel textured in the western suburbs - yes, there is an actual dividing line), so we try to avoid the usual palm-sized patch and fill only the hole without making it bigger, so we can get away without texturing.

I'm the central Iowa area, I'll send you a DM, let's connect, welcome to the BP forums and network, it's a gamechanger! 

Option D: you are considered a "disqualified person" to your IRA and as such are prohibited from engaging in any transaction in an IRA or receiving any benefits from the IRA (directly or indirectly), therefore I strongly suggest you avoid this option if you wish to stay out of trouble.