Quote from @Drew Sygit:My apologies w/my earlier post (below), I was on my phone and not laptop so it wasn't tagging.I will if I may add some additional thoughts...1) The appraisals I've seen in these markets are no where near Zillow estimates. 

I have some of the required funds in a HYSA, but will most likely need to draw from another account and I'm curious which method is the most efficient in terms of taxes/capital gains, penalties, loan repayments, etc.Based on my previous transactions in the market, I estimate ~$45k cash to close: $20k for the down payment, $15k for closing costs and prepaids, and $10k of starting reserves.

If I were to do a traditional VA loan, the loan would be close to 7%.Below are what I understand to be the numbers so far:Seller purchased the property in DEC 2022 for $1.13M (owned for 2yrs)Current estimates are Zillow= $1.26M/  Redfin=$1.323MOur agreed purchase price is $1.25MSeller financing would be $120k @ 8% for 3yrs.No commission cost.Small percentage of fees/ costs in the tune of 1.5% of loan amount.Let me know what you think and if you need any additional info.

With out that, there is no proof that it will perform.Do you have a full estimate and plan for 3 years on the property?

I am not worried so much about maximizing it rather than that it gives me a bit; because as more of the estimated $150000 property mortgage I want to take is paid down, the numbers get a bit better with appreciation as well.

Quote from @Jaycee Greene: Assuming you pay asking price, I'd estimate the down payment for something like that using a hard money loan (HML) would be around 40% of the purchase price and your monthly payment would be $2,600 with an interest rate in the low 7% range (probably need a 700+ credit score to get that).

So the question becomes based on their individual and personal tax situation what is the estimated tax burden they'd save? 

I'd estimate your cash flow after you pay the loan payment would be $600-$800, which a lender that understands investment real estate should give you some credit for on your DTI.As for a bank, I have a specific lender at NBI that I would recommend.

If her goal is to provide some of the proceeds to her ex in good faith, she can simply sell the property, have a tax professional estimate the taxable gains.

However, I still struggle to understand the art of estimating rehab costs.