Because what they truly were saying is they were going to wait until others are not buying, to buy themself. 

@Nicole ShoafYou are correct and have equity locked up in those units, a good lender can give you options on HELOCs or other loan products that could help get some equity out without selling.

I don’t generally buy into those as saving all this money, but I’m wondering if others have an experience or perspective? 

The buyer, on the other hand, can’t claim the interest paid to your lender because they’re not legally responsible for that loan...I disagree.

I'd love to hear what other people are doing and recommend; tips and tricks for guarding a vacant property. 

You might want to look up the pool requirements for Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ if you want to be the safest you can be, despite the lax laws in other localities. 

It should give you prompts to put in mortgage interest, repairs, big CapEx, and other things.

Buy: $284,900Rehab: $115,000Holding: $16,500 Points: $3,413 Selling fee: $30,000Insurance hold: $2,000-$2,500 (maybe get back $1,000-$1500 if you close quick)Other title/escrow purchase: $2,500ARV: $500,000Profit: $46,587 (9.25% approx) I would do the deal, especially if you get that gap for rehab closed 3-4 months and tighten up the rehab costs too ($100,000)   

It requires no money upfront, so you will join thousands of others trying to do the same in your market.

A few other houses (all single family houses) on the same street are on the market for rental and they (including my house) all get grouped and nestled under one cover listing as “units” of an apartment complex.