These questions are part of a course I'm working on in communications that I am hoping will help me in taking my first steps into the Utah real estate market.1.

The Neuse and Pamlico rivers, along with everything that feeds into them, have risen and will continue to rise substantially due to Florence. 

(If either of those figures prove to be not do-able, it could impact your monthly costs substantially!)

It's more tedious and time consuming but it substantially increases the odds of the tenant buyer actually closing on the option don't you think?

I have come to believe I should have a substantial portion of my net worth invested in a Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund (SWTSX) or Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX).

The FDIC and many state regulatory agencies will require the lender to substantiate a global portfolio freeze based on value.In the past, I've frozen my entire portfolio but I was able to document that, on a global basis, values had decreased in excess of 50% from origination value.

I'll always take a tax-free gain when I can if substantial. 

You won't get this property on multiples with inspection but if it's your primary residence - don't wave inspection.Buy a regular house and don't compete with investors.Or offer substantially more money to offset their cash offer with no inspection.The price is never the only term of the offer.

It sounds like it needs a substantial amount of rehab (to your benefit) so if you can get into it for a low price with seller financing that would be ideal.

The “city” isn’t the ignorant/desperate seller you are usually looking for.....their agreement will likely require some substantial non refundable deposit and likely require you show the ability to buy.