I'm hoping he'll have some options for me.I know a Home Equity Loan is basically a second mortgage in normal situations, but they seem to come with less red tape from what I've found.

If the property can service the debt at 90% leverage between a senior 1st and the seller second, you're looking at a good investment!

Second, people with criminal records are in need of housing and have made great tenants for us.

The second lot had the remnants of a tennis court the original owner had built, but was now in disrepair.  

Why not take out a smaller mortgage on the home and use some of that money to buy a second home?  

I'm a second year accounting student in Ottawa ON and I have been looking into sales on assignment as a way to real way to get into the felid of real estate.

Many insurance policies also require re-development within two years, a near impossible timeline in a region with the coastal commission, perhaps only second to Manhattan in terms of permitting and red tape.

Second, success often depends on creativity, persistence, and a willingness to negotiate.

Searching through the forums is like my second google, ha!

I wouldn't charge the tenant for that.The second leak was abuse/neglect, so I would definitely charge.