I purchased a property in the 77003 zip code which is 1.5 miles from downtown.

I've done this with my properties because I'm well known in my small town and don't want people to know what I own.

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.

While gifts exceeding $18K per year (2024) require filing Form 709, they don't create an immediate tax, but the IRS may scrutinize this as tax avoidance.Tax-Saving Alternatives:Prorated Section 121 Exclusion – If you lived in the home part-time, you may qualify for partial tax exemption.1031 Exchange – If your share was an investment property, reinvesting the proceeds defers capital gains.Installment Sale – Spreading payments over time may reduce your tax bracket.Adjusted Basis Review – Factor in capital improvements and selling costs to lower taxable gains.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

I have gotten seller financing from this exact set of steps, which may enable you to find a seller-financed property.  

It doesn't appear that there was anything wrong with the property.

I'm not a fan of selling a property that is performing in order to solve a short term problem.

I do things a little differently and I do not expect others to follow suit, though they may if they wish to.I find properties that are not on the MLS.

@Eric Smith, It really doesn't matter who you are selling your property to - unrelated or related party. 

FHA 203(k) loans are a great way to get into a property, add value, and set yourself up for strong equity when you eventually rent it out.Biggest things to watch out for:1.Contractors & Timeline – The loan requires HUD-approved contractors, and the rehab process can take longer than expected.