If so you can then take them to court for additional damage costs instead of rent assuming your state legislation allowse deposits to cover rent.

Questions: Seller proposes to value the house at $85,000 and charge 5% interest for the first year, and incrementally increase the rate to incentivize the refinancing. 1) Is it likely that the buyer would be able to refinance within a three year period given his credit situation?

A few years back (80's or 90's) a string of murders triggered this legislation.

Putting together a proposal for seller financing could work out well to get you into those properties.

Restoration contractors deal with insurance losses daily, may already have a relationship with your adjuster, and will submit a proposal for the cost they need to have the work completed to "pre-loss condition" and your standards.

@Robin Searle @James Carlson, have you seen the news on the new proposed bill in Colorado to reclassify STR’s to commercial property?

I proposed to the owner a payment of $100 per month principal and $25 a month interest with a 7 year balloon and she agreed.   

I feel like this should be prefaced  with the fact that I understand the nuisances cranes/construction cause via traffic and everything else (I, too, live in UTC).That said, I think those who incessantly complain about the issue and seek legislative change to stop it are almost always some combination of selfish, shortsighted, and/or stupid.Typically speaking, you should not mind cranes or construction in areas where you invest for a few reasons - I’m not sure that environmental variation is among the most important/obvious.What is obvious, though, is the fact that cranes/construction are pretty good evidence that you’ve placed yourself in the path of progress.

I'm proposing each partner put up 50% of the down payment and any fees related to closing.

@Daniel DietzI’ve done it and we have many clients who have done exactly what you are proposing.