I would definitely recommend consulting with an attorney for options.What is puzzling to me, if I’m understanding correctly, is that the realtor wants compensation prior to closing for drafting a purchase contract.

If you decide to go the DIY team route, you'll need to vet each partner individually, but your PM is still going to be the piece of the puzzle that is most incentivized to keep you happy long-term, so finding a team you can trust is paramount.Best of luck!

However there are still some possible missing puzzle pieces that could change everything my friend!

I’ve got about another year and a half before I will retire, so I plan to use the time to get a big jump on the education piece of this puzzle and to build up some REI momentum prior to hanging up the uniform.

I must be a slow learner because as I learn more and more, I find that I am more puzzled by the market here in Austin TX.I was recently trying to use the 50% rule and the 2% rule as different ways of looking at the same duplexes here in Austin.The average duplex here that costs around 200k only rents out for a total of 1200 for both units because they are generally in a 'worse' area and the nicer duplexes that cost around 300k only rent for about 2400 total for both units.

If you don't know your repair costs yet, which it sounds like you don't, then figure out all the other pieces of the puzzle like the ARV (after repair value) by looking at comps, figure out your financing costs by talking to lenders, and you can back into what your maximum repairs could be.

LABOR is the most expensive piece of the puzzle.

Good luck sorting this puzzle out!

I was puzzled about the different FSBO financing options and how would they affect the profits within different amortizations/ down payment/ interest rates etc. 

If you could help clarify my puzzles on the topic, it’s will be greatly appreciated.