After weighing our options, it seemed the best approach.

Option 2: Sell them and split the proceeds.Considerations: - Immediate liquidity: I would have cash on hand for new rental or stock investments. - Eliminate mortgage obligation: Selling would relieve me of the mortgage. - Able to keep the retirement fund that was going to be used to buy out the equity

At this stage, you can also discuss creative financing options, like seller financing, that might help bridge the gap between what you can afford and what they’d like to get for the property.

Focus on understanding the rental market, conducting thorough property inspections, and leveraging owner-occupied financing options like FHA loans.

If this property is hard to rent, or is functionally obsolescent (only 1 bathroom, no yard, etc), or has deferred maintenance that will be costly, or is in a location that is not appealing to Tenants, then maybe a sale would be a good option in favor of a property that has better Tenant appeal, which will likely increase rent and avoid long vacancies in between Tenants.An option to consider....

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

Another option is a DSCR loan where some lenders have shorter seasoning or waiting periods- I've seen some that are three months which can make a big difference for an investor getting cash out of a deal and using it on a new project.More info on DSCR loans: DSCR loans won't use your income to underwrite the loan.

As ground-up ADU builds gain popularity I hope we see some affordable options, like modular, but from what I'm seeing now the ROI just wouldn't be there.I'm trying to help spread the word about this law and compile as much information as possible so I can help investors capitalize on it.

You’re in a strong position with multiple viable options.

How to Structure the Deal to Protect Your $20KIf you’re willing to cover the $20K arrears, here’s how to protect yourself:Option 1: Secure Your Funds with a Lien or Escrow AgreementUse an escrow account: Deposit the $20K into escrow with clear terms—if the assumption is denied, the funds return to you.Record a promissory note & lien: If the deal falls through, this would give you a legal claim against the property to recover your funds.Option 2: Sub-To + Wrap While You AssumeSubject-to deal: Take over the existing loan payments before assumption approval, securing control.Escrowed deed transfer: The seller signs the deed into escrow only to be recorded after assumption approval, ensuring they can’t back out.Lease option fallback: If the assumption is denied, consider a lease option agreement until another solution is found.Option 3: Negotiate a Seller Financing HybridAsk the seller to carry a small second note for the $60K equity gap at favorable terms.Use your $20K as a down payment, structured as a secured loan against the property.3.