I also pay my cleaning lady and my maintenance guy occasionally by depositing into their accounts.

Occasionally they have houses downtown.

Although, occasionally you might get local programs to help with the downpayment or credits on your tax return, you'll still will pay PMI of one kind or another without 20% down.

We're looking to purchase a 4/3.5 single family home of 3,000 sqf or better, seeing as we have 2 kids under 5 years old, and I have a 16 year old from a previous marriage that visits from Florida occasionally.

well you don't need to talk to legal or a title company.. sub too deals are done all the time you can simply get the seller to deed you the property.. you can write your own deed and go record it.since there is no equity.. .and if your going to keep it long term... title insurance is not really necessary... just pull a pre lim on it to make sure there is nothing on title that is a deal killer and only the mortgage.. banks can call them.. they will occasionally but its rare.. but it does happen.. really depends on if the seller cherish's their credit / fico... usually I do not recommend this for sellers as its really really risky for them.. and many time those trying to do sub too are under capitalized and or down right crooks.. this one seems manageable though

The difference is that D+ is normally quiet, but "things happen" occasionally in the D+ area (not a place to roam around in on foot at night).

Rather, it's: "banks may give you a loan, usually at 65-75% their appraised value, but occasionally a bit more - with conditions"!

I realize that there may be some occasional weekend/ night hours but is that the norm?

At move in, I give them shovels, rakes, a sink and toilet plunger and one bag of snow salt a year.In addition they receive an automated text of the 1st reminding them of to pay their rent by the 4th and to let me know if they have any maintenance issues.Most months, I rarely have to do anything except the occasional drive by of the property (or inspection)and get the occasional maintenance text.

My interests at this point are buy and hold (rentals) with the occasional renovation and flip.