**Initial Guesstimates**: Before buying a property, bring several contractors in and let them know you’re looking for a guesstimate – just a ballpark figure.

Despite initially planning for renovations, severe foundation issues led us to pivot quickly.

Here are the details:Assumable loan balance: $750k at 2.75%List price: $950kDownpayment needed: $200k to cover the differenceMy initial plan to make this deal work included a few options:Getting a loan for the $200k difference.Bringing in a partner.Asking for seller financing.However, when I discussed these options with my agent, I hit a few roadblocks:Second Mortgage: My agent said no bank would provide a second position loan for the $200k.Seller Financing: He mentioned that 99% of sellers would reject this, though we're asking anyway.Agent's Advice: He suggested I just get a conventional loan and put 5% down for the full $950k, but I feel this defeats the purpose of leveraging the assumable loan.Given these challenges, I’m trying to figure out the best way to raise the $200k.

Despite initially planning for renovations, severe foundation issues led us to pivot quickly.

The HVAC system failed unexpectedly, adding unforeseen costs.Lessons Learned:Thorough Inspections: Always include major systems in the initial scope.Contingency Budget: Set aside funds for unexpected repairs.Flexibility: Be ready to adapt plans quickly.These lessons highlighted the importance of thorough planning and flexibility in Partner Driven's real estate investments.

The Closing Disclosure fees cannot be higher than an initial Loan Estimate, otherwise this will trigger a cost to cure and the lender must take the hit. 

What I am looking for is finding a good deal of a house that I can possibly repair, and also learn as I go through this initial work.

I'm trying to break in to the word of mouth circle, but it's been tougher than I initially thought it would be. 

I will refer to this to help me stay big-picture focused initially. 

What about doing a bridge loan for the initial purchase?