Must have tools: you need some type of evaluation metric and/or tool that you are comfortable with and are willing to walk about from a deal if it doesn't meet your requirements.also, a deal is a term for a transaction, not to be confused with a "good deal".

Inherently the steps are the same as if you were purchasing with financing save potentially less closing costs and ability to close sooner (if needed).The terms of your offer (ie -contingencies, closing cost splits etc) will determine what is different. 

Owner-occupied commercial properties generally get better interest rates and terms when compared to pure investment properties. 

I have owned so many properties in NY that were long-term rentals and it is renter-friendly, but if you choose correctly, you won't really ever care.Meetups are a great way to add to podcasts and books.

The term Certified Broker is intentionally deceptive in my view. 

If its not someone you know the lender will dictate the terms.

The term curb appeal is simply referring to the home's exterior being appealing, which doesn't have anything to do with plants or pots or items directly.

I think if you are going to keep all three parties involved as owners of the deal long term then you need to separate yourself as a renter and a contractor.

Quote from @John Brown: Quote from @Katie Miller: Are you saying you would long-term rent it from your friend and then run it as a short-term rental? 

Some lenders offer creative solutions, like a cross-collateralized loan, where they use your existing equity as security without refinancing the duplex.Another idea is partnering with private lenders or exploring a second-position mortgage, depending on your lender's terms.