This gives you flexibility and a clearer understanding of how you’ll proceed based on market changes.

Since this is my only property I do not mind and with my flexible schedule I am able to spend time doing this. 

Quote from @Zongfu Li: An agent named Mathew Dial contacted me for loan opportunity and told me how flexible and how easy they can provide bridge loan lending and conventional lender.

And don’t sleep on local banks or credit unions—they sometimes offer flexible portfolio loans that could work for a deal like this.Since your wife qualifies as a first-time homebuyer, check out any state-specific programs or HUD options for down payment assistance.

That sounds like a lot of work and I'm sure he would prefer to avoid that work and just sell it for $1.9m or $2.0m.if I were to buy it from him, to get to cash flow neutral I would need to increase rent on all 6 units to market rates and my monthly payment would need to be close to $6.2k/month, which would be $100k down payment, $1.7m loan with seller financing at 2% interest rate and flexible ballon payment.What would you do if you were me? 

The 25% has to be your funds.Now, there are non conventional options that would be a bit more flexible but even most of those programs will require at least 20% down with no second mortgages filed on the property. 

Private Money Loan: Private lenders might be a flexible option, especially if traditional routes don’t work.

Everyone will tell you it’s great to get started early, or you can just move after a year, but in the current environment in our region the rent your property will generate after you move out will likely be less than your mortgage, if you are tied to the area and feel confident you want to stay in whatever property you buy for 3-5 years go for it, if you want flexibility rent and throw that money into and index fund. 

Planning for flexibility with frequent moves and understanding property management will set you up for success when you start investing in 2026.Good luck!

We can be flexible when we pay them back.