For a single property, a strong umbrella insurance policy may offer sufficient protection at a lower cost.

Some of the best performing properties can have an occupancy around 60% for the year and sometimes lower.

Then they lowered the price to $340,000, a step in the right direction, but not as big a step that I liked. 

But if you're comfortable with rougher areas, then you can definitely find properties at lower prices.

I was reading up about it, and saw that the cons of oil heating include needing to top up the oil supply, lower efficiency (than gas and electric), and potential leaking of tanks leading to environmental issues.Is anyone familiar with oil heated homes?

Are there any lenders who are lower than this, I've been brokering myself.

So the owner is not stepping into any equity but instead his or her net worth is lower based on the fact that they had to pay closing costs on the transaction.  

Once we lowered the price to $1 less than everyone in town we filled right up.

If it is someone you know you can give them a straight return as if its a loan - can provide a lower interest rate to provide upside - it really depends on the lender and what are they concerned with and what is their risk profile. 

This could include lower wages, longer hours, lack of safety, etc.