Purchasing the property basically wiped out all my cash, but if i really needed I could use my ROTH IRA in a pinch. 

Seeking advice on financing and a pinch to make sure I'm not dreaming.Thanks,Todd

As a side note, always take what the realtor says about appraisal with a pinch of salt.As for the converted apartment in the back, make sure that you won't be having any issue with the county regarding the use as multi-dwelling or not. 

I'm in penny pinching mode and am almost at 20% down (plus closing cost/reserves) on a specific price range.

I wasn't going to put anything in there about a cash purchase or quick close because I don't expect these landlords to be in a financial pinch where they need quick cash, more that they'll just be tired of landlording and hopefully ready to unload a damaged property at a discount. 

. - find other equity investors to partner up with you- in a pinch, you may be able to get (expensive) personal loans and LOCs through sites like lendingclub, sofi etc..

When I read this story I imagined some super cheap penny pinching person who even though she was wealthy still lived in subsidized housing.

There are several types of fall back positions that you can use in a pinch as well including - pocket listings, fractional 1031 compliant properties, and also the option of simply not completing the 1031 and eating the tax. 

For what I pay him, he will show me lots of houses, meet with contractors to get bids and even check on the progress of repairs in a pinch.

You will only attract the worst penny pinching buyers out there who will never respect you or your time.