We are now preparing to strategically grow our brokerage business, and we would like to approach the process with a "blank slate" in order to not bring in a "traditional brokerage" mentality.  

This is the W2 mentality: trade time for dollars.The entrepreneurial mentality is to trade dollars for time and hire the management out.

Just threw a higher number out there because I figure more is better ;) Great mentality!

So I'd say the seller(s) should consult with an attorney or accountant, but it's possible they may owe much less than 15% or nothing.Also as Account Closed said, seller financing is also often attractive to people who are concerned about taking a big tax hit in one year - instead it's "pay small amounts as you go, over time as you receive the money" and is great for a number of reasons (no or a favorable interest rate for you, no bank BS, build long-term relationships and credibility with future sellers, possibility to discount in future with a payoff offer, etc.).It's worth having in your mental toolbox even if you don't use it on this deal.

I came from a very financially poor childhood where nothing was ever handed to you, you had to work to get everything and I guess that I have never gotten away from that mentality.

They just have mentally moved on and are ready to close out the note because it's their last reminder of the property.

I suppose it is all that public education I got drilled with that keeps me holding onto a partial slave mentality. 

Remembering that you're not building your dream house is a mental block for many new investors. 

This is why don't referred to any of these assets as houses, I prefer to use the term asset because that's the kind of mentality that I want to keep while making my investments.

Data is I'd say 20%. 80% is going in with the mentality that you're gonna have it your way, come heck or high water.