I will often see on MeetUp or other similar forums guys post private money availability with flat rates as a solicitation.

Market stays flat, you sell for what you bought it for, lose some money on fees, commission, etc but you move your money into a property that produces cash flow and can do value add appreciation.3.

Real estate commission will be reduced due to my wife being a realtor.I am trying to figure out a fair deal for the owner of the lots whether it be a flat % return, a partnership split, or another type of agreement. 

Approximate purchase price is $250K to $500k for 2 flat, 2bed 1bath per unit.

Even if the market runs flat, if I've paid off a chunk of the loan, I should be able to refi, assuming I didn't overpay in the first place?

I have a 3% on my personal resi but I still pay an additional 50% every month because I want it paid off in the next few years.... but no question if one is trying to scale a rental business debt comes right along with it.I was at a real estate function a few weeks back and the host had a saying " refi till you die"  I really can't get behind that... and reality is 30% or more of americans homes are paid for.. and if that number was a lot higher we would not have such wild swings when you have a down or flat market.

It'll take a full remodel of the bottom floor (it's two flats).

They said they don't charge any points, they only have a flat interest rate.

I would at the very least find a dirt cheap flat free agent so it's on the MLS.

Tereal,I also love love duplexes (2-flats here in chicago).