I can however purchase the house cash for $30,000 without having any title work but of course take the risk on of someone potentially claiming their stake (the odds of this seem very low).

I've been frantically trying to get this deal in front of as many potential buyers as possible, not only for higher odds of assignment, but because the deadline for the EMD is approaching which could render the contract null and void.

Good luck. haha i would run away from anyone self-proclaiming as "financial expert" with the expectation to "meet the guru / mentor/coach / master of all business" in his/her personal residence lol I have not google him yet but I bet he is taking picture in front of luxury house and driving sports car ?

Seemed odd but I’m not an appliance expert. 

If you get a high-paying tenant in there, you can increase your odds of increasing the home's value.

you say that you "were told to" get an STR for tax purposes, which seems odd, and that you only have 30-40K... and you might use HELOC money to help with the down payment, which will just put tremendous pressure on you to be profitable and support all of the debt.unless i am missing something i would back up and regroup before you buy a random STR in a random market and hope it supports all the debt you will have to have...

Then your best bet is to add a second stair, make several duplexes or, if possible, see if there are any unique Code exceptions to allow a single stair to be the means of egress.

Depending on what your daughter paid she may also owe capital gains because now she is selling the house for $215 instead of $184.Subject to is probably a better bet for you.

Almost like trying to bet on the next Amazon.

For appreciation, Columbus is your best bet.