You can use the "bad roof" or other problem to negotiate a lower purchase price. 

With that being said we tend to see a lot of CA buyers relocate here for the lower cost of living including lower home values, property taxes, insurance, no state income tax, gas prices etc.

Osceola County (Kissimmee) has many options in purpose-built, legally zoned STR communities.

With rates in constant flux, you might have opportunities to lock in lower ones.

Hi Daniel, condos can be a great low-maintenance option for LTRs, especially for absentee landlords since the HOA handles exterior upkeep.

If it is someone you know you can give them a straight return as if its a loan - can provide a lower interest rate to provide upside - it really depends on the lender and what are they concerned with and what is their risk profile. 

Also, I am considering alternative financing options (beyond Hard Money).

There was no "assign to property" option and basically I had to re-add their profiles to assign them to a property, which was clunky.

With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect.

Strategies like living in a duplex or triplex, adding an ADU, or renting by the room can help maximize cash flow while leveraging FHA or VA loans for lower upfront costs.