Some of this can be alleviated by putting a clause in the contract stating that all units will be professionally cleaned upon move out, like they were prior to the tenant moving in.

Bryan -I completely agree with you...Historically speaking, taxes are very low right now (the lowest in 60 years according to the Tax Policy Center), and while they'll probably increase a bit over the next couple years, they will continue to be low relative to recent levels of taxation in this country.All that said, reducing Federal income tax at the lower end of the income spectrum would hopefully alleviate some of the pressure middle class folks are having making ends meet and ensuring their families have the basic necessities -- a good thing in my book...

Coming in with some of your own cash might alleviate the seller's worries that you'll "walk" if things start to go south after you own it.

Also, you might want to think about doing more of the legwork yourself to alleviate the costs if you are going to be low balling.

I would agree that increasing your income would help alleviate the problem as well.

Or does the lender in the second position have some say on the selling price.Also, concerning the tax burden for the forgiven debt wouldn't IRS form 982 help alleviate some of that obligation if the sellers liabilities outweigh their assets (which I am very sure they do)?

Bringing on a partner that has experience may alleviate a lenders requirements.

From what I understand (and perhaps I misread/misunderstood) you're happy with the home and the rehab, just not the management of it (and understandably - too little communication and lots of vacancy is not a great state to be in).Can you switch management companies to try and alleviate that challenge, or, are you in a contract with this provider for a fixed period of time to have them manage it, or?

He says a lot of the things I read on here, especially with respect to alleviating my fear of the expensive market I live in.

if you have your buyers criteria, the guesswork is almost alleviated from the start!