If you choose the right company it'll drastically reduce your risk of maintenace coming up in the first 5 years and also help your yield.

Through my experience, I’ve cultivated a conservative approach that balances opportunity with risk management that I apply to every deal that crosses my desk.

While OZ investments offer significant tax benefits, assess property risks and long-term potential beyond the tax savings.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Leverage your construction skills for flips, start with smaller projects to minimize risk, and consider house hacking or long-term rentals for a steady income.

.❌ Legal Risks – Chicago has strict landlord-tenant laws.

@Jay StraderI'm wondering the same thing - I had an attorney review the contract & basically all it said was invest at your own risk.

Key Factors for a Good Seller-Financed DealCash Flow: Rental income should exceed monthly payments (PITI) by at least 1.25–1.5x.Purchase Price: Compare to ARV and market value for fair pricing and equity potential.Interest Rate: Aim for competitive rates; higher rates must still allow positive cash flow.Amortization/Balloon Terms: Favor longer amortization and align balloon payments with your exit strategy.Down Payment: Lower upfront costs reduce risk but should meet the seller's expectations.Flexibility: Seek no prepayment penalties and fair late-payment clauses.Property Condition: Ensure the property’s condition matches terms through inspections.Seller Motivation: Assess the seller’s willingness to negotiate favorable terms.Exit Strategy: Have a clear plan for refinancing or payoff at term end.Portfolio Fit: Ensure the deal aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.Vetting multiple deals and consulting professionals is crucial to making sound decisions.

Knoxville isn't a luxury market. widen the gap and do new construction. find infill plots of land in better locations and have more control. work closely with a builder who Is working with investors. we have flippers who did hundreds of flips then they graduate to new builds and say it's much easier. if you have the balance sheet you'll be fine. budget 20%. new construction commands a 20% premium and is much easier to duplicate Over and over and much less risk. 

Purchase price: $275,000 Cash invested: $294,000 Sale price: $355,000 Seller was behind on pay HOA payments and in risk for losing the property.

I have so much to learn starting out I don't want to add any unnecessary risk or headaches dealing with out of state properties or long distance rentals.