Then you could use 1 year tax return self employment with freddie mac and there you go you're now qualified into the conventional bucket and saved your self probably 1-2% in rate, 1-2 points, and all those adverse terms from the portfolio loans.Theres lots of ways to structure things to make it work the above is just the tip of the ice berg, but something to consider.

We were not affected adversely by the sub prime loan mess as many parts of the country were.

This is probably not practical but perhaps adverse possession.

Those that train themselves to think of adversity as a challenge that can be solved with time,effort, and knowledge will have a better chance to succeed.How many bandit signs did you place?

You can steal real estate legally through adverse possession (personally I don't do that).

If you were to find 500k from an investor, the HUD lender would more than likely want to see the terms of the loan to ensure that lender could not jeopardize their position or that the terms of the loan adversely affect the numbers used to qualify you.Also, you must have 125% of the amount of cash required to close the loan, so you need to know what that amount is well in advance.

Next question, @Duncan Taylor: would adverse possession only apply to the previous owner and his time there?

I'm debt adverse when it comes to unsecured, non-cash flowing debt, and those student loans loomed heavy on my conscience every single day.

My wife is very risk adverse, and does not like my investing in real estate, especially where it involves loans. 

As you can see, resorting to self help before consulting an attorney on this matter could cause a number of different adverse consequences for you.Hope this helps!