@Chris Seveney Thank you for your comment, the Seller offered cash for keys (don't know the amount) but the tenant hasn't been willing to accept anything.

—will be key to success!!

As a seller you don't want to JUST sell your place, you want to MAXIMALLY sell the place, THAT's the key difference.

The home buying process typically follows these key steps:Assess Your Finances: Review your credit score, savings, and determine how much you can afford for a down payment and monthly mortgage payments.Get Pre-Approved for a Loan: Work with a lender to get pre-approved, which gives you a clear budget and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.Find a Real Estate Agent: Partner with an experienced agent who knows the local market and can guide you through the process.Search for Homes: Browse listings and visit properties that fit your criteria (location, size, price, etc.).Make an Offer: When you find a home you like, submit an offer through your agent, including contingencies (financing, inspections, etc.).Home Inspection & Appraisal: Once the offer is accepted, hire an inspector to ensure the home’s condition and the lender will order an appraisal to verify the property’s value.Secure Financing: Finalize your mortgage by submitting required documents and ensuring the lender clears you for closing.Closing: Sign the final paperwork, pay closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home!

We are not full time flippers, so we can be patient for a good house in a neighborhood we know.  

Just be patient, as Devin stated, the expectations of these loans being a complete pain were not properly set.

The first hurdle was convincing them to leave via cash for keys.

It’s not because self-management hasn't worked, but rather because I’m looking to free up my time to scale my portfolio further and focus on some other time-intensive projects.If you’re managing from a distance, the key is building a local network you trust—contractors, handymen, leasing agents.

I have heard conflicting things on this front, as some say "you can do your own research" but others talk about how this is a key way to get off market deals at a better price before they would hit the market.

The first hurdle was convincing them to leave via cash for keys.