There is no bean stalk with a golden-egg-laying goose at the top.  

of course liens will have to be paid off at time of sale before cash to sellers is calculated.the real answer to your question is that people want return OF THEIR MONEY as well as return on their money.in my 40 y ears of real estate i have seen many instances of wanna be investors with no capital, no experience and little or no knowledge think that the golden path is partnering with someone with capital.  

So does adding a third unit that's exempt from rent control mean that the original two units lose their golden status since there's no such thing as a golden triplex?

I'd say you could see 100 CPAs who can value it financially and there won't be much difference, it's numbers and accounting, they aren't appraisers.And yes, if you really don't have big bucks you can go with whatever you agree to, so long as you're happy since you're selling.If you are getting cash and walking away, I guess you may not care to much.If you're financing it or taking earnings to sell and the success of you getting your money depends on the success of the business, I'd suggest you be more technical in your approach as you can kill the goose laying the golden egg.

I agree with Michael, My golden rule is never pay too much for the property.

Charles - I'm extending this until Sunday . . . if you and others can get it in by then you're golden.

This is a golden time for investors especially in Ga where they over built like crazy.

@Loan DoanI'm originally from Northern California, and below link is near Golden Gate Park.

I'll sell you my quit claim deed to the to the Golden Gate. 

If you've never read Rich Dad, Poor Dad start there.Depending on your situation with personal debt Dave Ramsey is a good one at your age.The millionaire real estate investor is golden to set up a plan after you've read the first two.