If you are nearby, if you have ever been a pizza delivery person, maybe deliver a pizza to the wrong house that may or may not be the one being foreclosed on so atleast you can see inside a small portion. we used to just go knock on the door some folks would actually let you look around.

I would say the same for employees who need say a second advance on their wages (we allow one).I am willing to make a personal loan if an employee really needs it and you could consider doing it that way with a tenant in need.

It sounds like you've done a great job in investing in yourself and taking personal risks. 

I have also utilized owner financing for longer periods of time, including personal residence and 2 barrier island houses on the coast of Florida.  

Usually my time spent with newbies last a minimum of 1-2 hours on our first meeting (either in person or on the phone).  

We have been able to get some great deals simply by doing extra research that the average person wasn't willing to do.

When all the dust settles, and the  person searching is tired and discouraged and gives up, Jerry may not have bought  a single lot, but he's made some money from the training he sold you, which was his main goal from the beginning!

It is my understanding that people refinance and then use those funds other ways (personal living, investing, some to buy another property) as a means to minimize tax obligation. 

If you use the Heloc option and decide to rent it out, don't forget that property (or you) will have to cover both your primary and secondary position notes.I don't personally see Marin being a great mid term market.

I thought of selling back to the seller at the same price, and take the 12kish loss on repairs  I doubt they will take it back.. check your note to make sure you dont have personal guranteesNoted, thanks Jay!