Vallejo, Richmond, Stockton, San Leandro, Hayward... all areas local to me that are like that, with 4plex loan limits well north of $1m & still 5% down with PMI that drops off once you have the equity (unlike FHA where it's "life of loan" and you'd have to refinance in a rising rate environment to drop the mortgage insurance).

Ever ran across this directly since you're also in a hot humid environment? 

It's a laid back environment where we hang out, have a few drinks and talk about real estate investment.

A balloon payment is a nasty thing to have in an environment of falling home prices and rent payments. 

'Earning' 6%+ risk-free and tax-free in our .01% savings account environment makes sense.I mostly responded to dispel the notion that holding a mortgage for the 'tax benefits' makes sense.  

We have found an innovative way to help the community save money as well as save our environment. 

In this low interest rate environment it shouldn't be that difficult for an experienced rehabber to find private money.

I help property owners and small businesses improve energy efficiency, environmental health, and impact on the natural environment.

I was brought up in a 'broken family environment'.

It seems like a fun and profitable environment.