Builders offered everything from rate buydowns to other buyer incentives to make their homes more attractive.

.- The 203(k) will allow you to bid on properties that need repairs that won't qualify for a traditional mortgage => less competition => better purchase price.You will need to find a great local contractor you can trust to supply the required bids to qualify for the 203(k).- After closing, you can do some of the work yourself to save money, but the program doesn't allow you to pay yourself.You will want to buy a Class B property, maybe Class C+, in an area that seems to be improving.

However short contract period allows you to pursue other avenues to sell if the wholesaler can't execute on the terms they offered.

Quote from @Patricia Steiner: There are several lenders who offer low/no closing cost options for first time homebuyers.

If they need access to the property immediately, you can offer to leave to them until you are ready to close. 

Is it worth it for someone like me who hasn't done any deals yet, but is going to be making offers on my 1st investment property in the spring?

My company offers real estate syndications.

He offered to sell it to me with owner financing for $400,000 and only required 10% down, so I jumped on it.

Denton County offers opportunities in suburban and college town markets, while Grayson County provides affordable entry points with cash-flow potential.

Went and viewed about 10 properties, made an offer on one without a buyer's agent, so that the selling agent would double end the deal and they accepted a below ask offer at a time when prices were climbing.How did you finance this deal?