Alternatively, you could do an FHA Title I Home Improvement Loan up to $25k. 

a. that's what I keep cash flow for on properties until they're paid off - repairs , expenses and improvements.

The new loan at a 5% interest rate would then pay off the seller's remaining balance, effectively transitioning your financing without additional down payment.It's also worth noting that some lenders might allow a "cash-out" refinance, where you could potentially take out more than the existing loan balance, given enough equity in the property, which could be used for further investments or improvements.

It is becoming a lot for the 80-year-old owners who are expecting greater costs in time and dollar (self managed).Is there any creative deal structure that can be used so that I can buy and occupy the home including the assumed improvements, repairs and maintenance, while allowing the seller to preserve the step-up tax shield for their descendants?  

Account Closed Given the seller is willing to finance 70% of the purchase price of $1.8M ($1.26M) that means you need to come up with $540,000 + settlement costs, reserves and a budgetary number for repairs unless the property does not require any improvements or upgrades.

My recommendation is to seek employment or get involved in the industry and improve your knowledge base before jumping into any investments, especially if you’re reliant on outside capital 

Always looking to improve.

Also, since a cost segregation study increases your cash flow, you can reinvest that cash flow into your property to make improvements which therefore increases the value.Improve Liquidity for Estate PlanningThe accelerated depreciation created through a cost segregation study reduces your taxable income which means you are paying less in taxes and get to keep more cash in the bank.

In Fall 2022 I bought a 3/2 (half of a duplex) in a neighborhood that’s in the early stages of up and coming, my thought was to get a rental to break even or lightly cash flow and appreciate over time as the neighborhood improved.

For example: If I bought a house for $200K, and the quote to construct the very same house in the same location is $300K, then the value of improvements should be considerably high ($200K) and the value of the land be considered negligible (closer to 0).Of course this helps depreciate more improvements in the life of the property, but I would like to hear your thoughts on whether this logic would hold up with IRS in the event of an audit.What do you think?