I agree it's a lot of money but if someone is willing to hold your hand and walk you through the process and then stick around with you afterward I think it's worth it.

Speaking anecdotally only here:when I spent some time in ABQ, I walked away loving the climate and desert mountain scenery, and feeling the a good majority of the city was sketchy. 

We want a Mobile Home on the bay but still a close walk to the beach because we want water front but cant afford Ocean front.

I'm happy to walk you through it, do you have a relationship with an title/escrow officer who has done these types of deals? 

I am very much a hand holder with new investors and will walk you through the entire process so that you understand it all. 

Be a DON'T WANT-ER - always be willing and ready to walk if you can't get a good deal - And understand that you can always come back to that seller later and begin Second Stage NegotiationsAsk the 7 wordsAlways consider a subject to offerAlways ask for seller financingUse the Study Period Clause with right of possession to control properties without cashOffer seller participation - this is a great way to close dealsOffer something other cash - a note secured by your other equities, an unsecured note, a Principal only mortgage (using this technique you can offer more for the building since you are not paying interest - and as you know a direct reduction mortgage will pay off much faster.

If you walked up to Michael Jordan and said, "I want to learn sports" he would walk away.

My market its very rare to see seller financing because people do not want to be lenders they want the cash and walk away.

If you were to 1031 and walk away with $100k in escrow, you would be able to purchase a $500k deal with a DSCR loan. 

It sounds like both of you are on the right track right now, but the last thing you want is for something to happen between you and your girlfriend and she walks away with all your money right there.