I have found that once you have a firm grasp of the basics, the only way you are going to become an expert is to get out there and do it.

A lot of the popular, no money needed, strategies like being a wholesaler, getting a partner to fund the deal, or STR co-hosting / arbitrage are a bit of a paradox because the people that have the expertise to effectively implement these strategies are typically the experienced folks that don't need no money down strategies to invest.

With VRBO the host is always tracking down payments, whether it's from VRBO or especially the guest.

I host a monthly meetup always the last Thursday of the month at zeppelin station in Denver.

Be swift, firm and fair.

At that point, hopefully the seller has a firm understanding of your requirements for an investment and its a simple yes/no response.

As a landlord, STR hosting, flipper, we "invest" in the asset of Real Estate, TO MONITIZE that asset through our various active actions of operation. 

Here are a few that I know can help:Wright Finlay&Zac Michelle Rodriguez can help your friend.Geraci Law Firm Melissa Martorella runs the lending docs team and can help your friend.Doss Law Your friend can ask for Chris Donovan.For what it’s worth, notes do not get notarized.

I think especially in desirable areas, even if values don't go up the way they have, they will hold firm - the 'scarcity premium.'

That's far from a definitive answer because its an owner occupant and a single family, but I would imagine if you e-mail the house/building department they should be able to give you a firm answer.