Depends how you approach them and if you’re ready to pull the trigger when you find the right deal.

I want to work with providers and companies that can accept responsibility and take a "customer first" approach, rather than getting defensive and making accusations, and your response is John actually hurts you more than helps.  

Ourcurrent approach involves identifying possible contact information for thelisted owners and calling multiple numbers, but this process is time-consumingand yields limited results.

Be that as it may, with this approach, you will have to provide some value for your folks even to consider this.

He confronted (and still does confront, present tense) the hand he was dealt with dignity and a “no excuses” approach.

Your first clue will be how they approach showings.

Without having much info, I would need to know the financial situation of the 'close family' to determine a best approach.

This is why I prefer the cash-for-keys approach.

What worked for him.. and could work for you.. is taking a calculated approach by "house hacking."

@Jennifer Fernéz I run sum numbers for you with our tool, see comments and pics below before refinancing and post refinancing .Financial Breakdown: Purchase Price: $200,000 Mortgage (LTV 80%): $160,000 Interest Rate: 6% (30-Year Amortization) Mortgage Monthly Payment: $959Upfront Costs: Down Payment (20%): $40,000 Closing Costs (3.5%): $7,000 Renovation Costs: $15,000 1 Month of Carrying Costs During Renovation: $1,548Total Upfront Required: $63,548Year One Rent: Monthly Rent Income: $2,000 1 Month Rent Losses during renovations (-$2,000): -$167/month distributed over 12 months Total Rent Income: $22,000 per year => $ 1,833 per monthMonthly Expenses: Mortgage Payment: $959 Property Tax (Assuming $3,000/year): $250 per month Property Insurance (Assumption): $100 per month Utilities (Hydro, Gas, Water): $275 per month Assuming 5% Vacancy: $92 Assuming 0 % Repairs & Maintenance first year because unit has been recently renovated Total Monthly Expenses: $1,676Monthly Net Cash Flow: $157Post-Renovation Refinancing Strategy after 12 months:So far, we’ve purchased the property, completed renovations, and rented it out.Next, you can approach the bank for a refinance to consolidate a portion of your initial investment into a mortgage.