I'm mostly just mad that it took so much of my time to get it sorted.

We do currently have some lenders that do all sorts of low down payment options to get you to as little as 0% down in some cases (with RTR subsidizing part of your down payment). 

In order to prepare for disclosure deadlines and detect potential deal roadblocks, the seller may carry out "reverse diligence" on the buyer.Finally, it's crucial to comprehend the motivation behind the trade.

Work out some sort of split that is fair for what each will contribute and jump in!  

I foresee that we are at the point where we need to really hone in our processes and procedures, so that we can scale well because we have just sort of been shooting from the hip.

This way, you have your cap stack sorted up front and you can fully focus on identifying and taking down deals. 

Be prepared to document where that cash came from - in your case, that's easy, your HELOC.Would be happy to help you with that sort of transaction if you want to reach out - I find a lot loan officers are unfamiliar that this option even exists. 

How should we calculate the offer that we make to a motivated seller?

You need some sort of tile or waterproof sheets going up the walls to the ceiling.

What sort of property do you think you are more likely to accomplish this, low cost market or higher cost market?