Any input would be greatly appreciated. there's a lot of ways like petitioning, confidential sale price, buying other assets to offset and depreciating them in year one, etc. but the main way I would do it is to invest in ground up developments with tax abatements which pushes even higher cash flow and then to keep them as retained earnings or in a non taxable structure depending on your equity position.

The primary purpose is to assist eligible veterans in purchasing, building, repairing, retaining, or adapting a home for personal occupancy.Asset Protection Strategies: If your goal is to protect your assets, there are other strategies you might consider:Insurance: Obtaining adequate insurance coverage, like homeowner's insurance and umbrella policies (as @Greg Scott mentioned), can provide a layer of protection against liabilities.Homestead Exemption: Some states offer a homestead exemption that can protect a portion of your home's value from creditors.Trusts: In some cases, placing the property in a trust can provide asset protection, although this can be complex and requires legal expertise.Legal and Financial Advice: It's crucial to seek advice from legal and financial experts.

I observed the vandalism damage with my own eyes, then I wrote him a cash offer, but I offered him like 20k and he didn't take it.

Ask about the maintenance history.Units: Visit as many individual units as possible to assess their condition and note any necessary repairs or updates.Structural Issues: Be vigilant about signs of water damage, mold, or pests, which could indicate larger problems.Safety Compliance: Verify that the property meets all local safety and building codes, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits.Financial and Operational AspectsRent Roll: Request a detailed rent roll to understand current rents, lease terms, and tenant occupancy.Expenses: Get a breakdown of all operating expenses, including utilities, maintenance, insurance, property management fees, and taxes.Income Verification: Ask for historical income statements (preferably 12 months or more) to verify the revenue.Vacancy Rates: Inquire about the historical and current vacancy rates and how they compare to the market average.Tenant Profile: Understand the tenant mix, including residential versus commercial tenants, lease lengths, and tenant turnover rates.Property Management: Find out if the property is currently managed by a professional management company and if you will retain or replace them.Legal and ComplianceZoning Laws: Ensure the property complies with current zoning laws and inquire about any zoning changes that may affect the property.Rent Control: Determine if the property is subject to rent control or other regulations that could impact income.Permits and Licenses: Check that all necessary permits and licenses are up to date.Value-Add PotentialRenovation Opportunities: Identify areas where you could add value through renovations or upgrades.Rent Increases: Assess the potential for increasing rents based on market rates and property improvements.Additional Income: Explore opportunities for additional income streams, such as laundry facilities, parking fees, or storage rentals.Environmental ConsiderationsEnvironmental Hazards: Check for any environmental issues like asbestos, lead paint, or underground storage tanks.Flood Zones: Verify if the property is in a flood zone and the implications for insurance and risk.Questions to Ask the SellerReason for Selling: Understand the seller’s motivation to gauge the urgency and possible negotiation points.Recent Repairs and Improvements: Ask about any recent capital expenditures and future planned repairs.Tenant Relations: Inquire about the relationship with tenants and any ongoing disputes or issues.Due DiligenceProfessional Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to conduct a thorough examination of the property.Appraisal: Obtain an independent appraisal to verify the property’s market value.Legal Review: Have a real estate attorney review all contracts, leases, and legal documents related to the property.By covering these aspects, you’ll be in a stronger position to make an informed decision about your potential investment.

VA appraiser also spotted damage to a retaining wall that was somewhat minor and my buyer would have been happy to fix on his own.  

They have a busy life and are preoccupied so they put off investing because they think they have plenty of time to start investing later.These 3 things are what I have observed in my personal circle and at networking events.

The identical rates of change suggest that, although rents drifted downward, landlords have avoided increasing the relative value of incentives packages used to attract and retain lessees.

It's advisable to work with a real estate attorney who is familiar with subject-to transactions to navigate any legal complexities.Risk and Liability: As the original borrower, you retain liability for the mortgage even after selling the property "subject to."

Learn by observing what and how they do it.

Common fees will include a set-up fee, a leasing fee for each turnover or a lease renewal fee, marking up maintenance, retaining late fees, and more.