And What other conditions/terms/costs do you calculate when underwriting the potential of a deal?

Gifting equity in a house may be more trouble than it is worth if you are not near the life-time exclusion1) Potentially having to get the property appraised everytime an equity is gifted2) Having a title company update the title every time3) Exemption of the gift tax return is normally for cash gifts below the annual gift tax exclusion, you may still need to file if you gift non-cash4) If there is partial ownership over several years, having to properly pro-rate certain items such as real estate taxes, mortgage interest and rental income if the property is a rentalBest of luck 

**Letter of Intent (LOI)**: Though not legally binding, an LOI can outline the basic terms and conditions of a potential deal before the final contracts are drawn up, ensuring that all parties are on the same page.It's always wise to consult with a real estate attorney to ensure that your contracts comply with local laws and protect your interests.

He's helping me to narrow down a potential multi-family property that I will be house hacking, (the deadline I have given myself to be in it is May).

In efforts to get more experience with IOS, we are seeking a financial partner that potentially has experience with this asset class. 

Inherently the steps are the same as if you were purchasing with financing save potentially less closing costs and ability to close sooner (if needed).The terms of your offer (ie -contingencies, closing cost splits etc) will determine what is different. 

In light of this, I have been exploring the possibility of pursuing creative finance options, specifically seller finance deals, as a potential means to achieve my goals.

@Marc Anthony MacielIf you're diving into house hacking and multifamily investing in Southern California, you’ll want to focus on markets like Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, and Long Beach—areas with strong rental demand and solid appreciation potential.

However, anything that impacts functionality like plumbing, HVAC, or safety issues should be handled before listing to avoid turning off potential renters/buyers.If you’re re planning to lease it, tenants will expect everything to be move-in ready before signing.

Look for properties with high cash flow potential, good condition, and room for improvement, such as value-add opportunities.