Quote from @Lawrence Mitchell: Yes I am@Lawrence Mitchell What type of property are you looking to house hack in, SF or 2-4 MF?

How to Structure the Deal to Protect Your $20KIf you’re willing to cover the $20K arrears, here’s how to protect yourself:Option 1: Secure Your Funds with a Lien or Escrow AgreementUse an escrow account: Deposit the $20K into escrow with clear terms—if the assumption is denied, the funds return to you.Record a promissory note & lien: If the deal falls through, this would give you a legal claim against the property to recover your funds.Option 2: Sub-To + Wrap While You AssumeSubject-to deal: Take over the existing loan payments before assumption approval, securing control.Escrowed deed transfer: The seller signs the deed into escrow only to be recorded after assumption approval, ensuring they can’t back out.Lease option fallback: If the assumption is denied, consider a lease option agreement until another solution is found.Option 3: Negotiate a Seller Financing HybridAsk the seller to carry a small second note for the $60K equity gap at favorable terms.Use your $20K as a down payment, structured as a secured loan against the property.3.

Multifamily properties (2-4 units) can be a great way to build your portfolio while minimizing risk—especially with FHA or conventional low-down-payment options.Also, networking is huge.

However, you could buy a property with seller financing.

New and in Oswego with one investment property. 

I specialize in small multifamily properties and house hacking working alongside BiggerPockets podcast guest Andrew Freed to help investors find high-performing deals in Central MA.My Background:  - Started in late 2019 I utilized an FHA loan to get my first 3 family property in Fitchburg, spent about a year fixing it up and soon after I refinanced. 

- If you are putting an offer in on a property to get that property under contract, part of the contract is that you put up earnest money.

I realized I have deep experience as a renter... across multiple markets, city councils, market classes, and building types (I'll list below) over 3 decades and 9 properties.

Run a test at the property for radon levels once the fan is in working order.

Cleveland and Dayton can be great markets for high cash flow and low purchase prices, but you need to be careful when navigating the neighborhoods so you're not buying in a D/F class area where no property managers will manage and where you'll never see any positive cash flow.