Ideally, the tradesman identifies this and communicates it before they proceed.

Make sure they understand the investing side of the business and communicate well - communication and competence can make or break a loan.

Granted, I didn't pay for them so maybe my palate was skewed a bit as those that were sharing - I had several hard core collectors as customers turned friends -  they were often proud to share the price and method of obtaining, but I just don't feel the cost was worth the taste.

Morby Method-I found a duplex that the seller is willing to do the morby method with me.

Plus, we have intentionally started being overly communicative with the city, and they have been surprisingly responsive.Great post and topic by the way!

If you have an installment sale, report the sale under the installment method unless you elect out.

The worst ones usually don't have any clear cut guidelines (a lot of the underwriters will make up their own rules if they do not like the deal), Suck at communicating (will reply days later), Push aggressive terms to get deals in and then switch them, and Not really motivated to get things done (they will adverse a loan without any hesitation). 

@Keith CuddebackIn addition to the methods already mentioned for finding the outstanding loan balance of the primary mortgage, you'll also likely want to determine if there are any other loans/liens attached to the property that the seller will need to cover/pay off before they could transfer title to you.

I'm an equity partner on four different apartment complexes and have learned a lot from talking with and observing the lead investor (i.e. syndicator) about raising capital and investor relations by being in those deals.If you are fortunate enough to find a mentor, it would be wise to find someone with integrity, who has multiple SUCCESSFUL deals under their belt and believes in consistent and clear communication with their investors. 

Purchase price: $300,000 Cash invested: $70,000 Sale price: $450,000 BRRR method using an STR property that has projections in the 75k gross rangeUPDATE -- did rent well.