If again i'll hire my private attorney.

Considering your goal of house hacking a duplex, while FHA loans are common for first-timers, there are alternative financing options to explore:Conventional Loans: Need more credit and down payment, but offer flexibility. 203K Loans: Ideal for fixer-upper duplexes, bundling purchase and renovation costs.VA Loans: Great for vets—no down payment, competitive rates, and no mortgage insurance.Portfolio Loans: Private lenders, good for unconventional income or credit histories.Hard Money Loans: Quick, high-interest, good for investments or major renovations.With $30,000, mix it up—use it for a down payment, maybe pair with a conventional or FHA loan.

Hey Michael - we definitely have a lot of consensus here - based on the facts in Texas, I would agree with you that it sounds like the burdens and benefits of ownership (or at least a significant amount of them) are transferred as of the auction date, and based on what you stated, I would also feel comfortable taking the same position for a TX property - it would certainly not contradict the revenue ruling given the related restrictions on the property and taking possession are an entirely different fact pattern, making the ruling moot in your scenario.Which I think highlights even more one of my closing points (and your point as well on Jurisdictions) - this likely changes wildly by jurisdiction. 

Highlight the risks and your strategies for mitigating them.

Options may include traditional mortgages, private lenders, partnerships, or even self-directed IRAs.Calculate all potential costs including property acquisition, renovations, property management fees, taxes, and maintenance.Property Selection and Due Diligence:Use your local team to scout properties that match your investment criteria.Conduct thorough due diligence including property inspections, financial analysis, and reviewing rent comparables (rental rates in the area).Make Offers and Negotiate:Submit offers based on your research and due diligence.Negotiate terms that are favorable to your investment goals, taking into account potential repairs or improvements needed.Close the Deal:Once your offer is accepted, work with your local team to complete all necessary paperwork and close the transaction.Ensure all legal aspects are handled properly, including title searches and property inspections.Manage Property Remotely:Hire a reputable property management company to handle day-to-day operations such as tenant screenings, rent collection, maintenance, and emergency repairs.Establish clear communication channels and expectations with your property manager.Monitor and Adjust:Regularly review your investment performance and financial metrics (cash flow, occupancy rates, expenses).Stay informed about market trends and adjust your strategy as needed to optimize returns or mitigate risks.Long-Term Strategy and Growth:Evaluate opportunities for portfolio expansion or diversification in the same or different markets.Continuously educate yourself on real estate investing best practices and market dynamics to make informed decisions.By following these steps diligently and leveraging local expertise, you can effectively navigate the complexities of out-of-state real estate investing and build a successful portfolio over time. 

JustinWith 500K cash, I would use most of it for one building if you can find a good cash-flowing one and the rest can be kept as reserves and/or private money lending.

Are there people who would do a private loan for just the downpayment amount?

The tried and true way is to purchase a off-market property, rehab for no more than 75% ARV, refinance to get your money out or payback the private hard money loan - start short-term leasing the property.

If it's in my private name I can do without an attorney.

This quick and profitable transaction highlighted our efficient investment strategy and the strength of our partnership with Mark Raby.