Tenant will prove dirty apartment at move in with pictures ,call the tenant apologize for the misunderstanding, return the money and move on; Tenant  will most likely win in court and you will most likely pay deposit plus penalties x3, plus your lawyer's inflated fees good luck

We originally wanted a duplex and live in half, but all around here seem overly inflated on price 150k or higher.

Seems to be opposing arguments here- 1) Without the money man, I would have nothing-so better a small percentage of something than nothing.Or 2) Without me, the money mans money would be sitting in a bank and losing value yealy to inflation.  

It was being done during the boom years and you can google it but there are limits on cash back at closing and to intentionally due it to inflate the price is illegal.

I'm also noticing that when I factor taxes into the equation, it makes much more financial sense to buy-fix-rent-hold for as long as the underlying asset (the home) continues to appreciate in price at a rate that is at least commensurate with inflation, prior to divestiture.  

I rehabbed into 2015, put up rental sign Feb. 2015 My CPA says all rehab costs in 2014 will go into 2015 taxes, so crap loose losses due to inflation. 

On the flip side, appreciation can be a nice added benefit which will at least hedge inflation in most markets.At this point I think they are both great options, just different.

Simply this, IN MY OPINION,  you inflate what the properties value is or even can be, you inflate what the rental rates are, you decrease intentionally what the costs are.  

The cap rate in the listing and marketing material was based on rental income that was artificially inflated.  

Great transformation Neal C..Let go of the ego(usually inflated self-worth) and embrace honesty and integrity.Thanks for sharing