I am now strict about the credit score, and not negotiating any of the other terms like decreasing the pet fee or security deposit to accommodate them.  

McElhannon: I'm curious on peoples go to approach to secure financing for an investment property - use a broker? 

If she lives rent-free, you retain control of the property but lose the ability to claim rental-related deductions.For long-term planning, consult a CPA and attorney to ensure compliance with tax rules and align ownership structure with your goals, including potential conversion to a rental or estate planning considerations.

For flips, ensure the profit margin after all costs is at least 20%-25%.

The most important thing is to ensure your loan is covered in the event of a loss.  

However, ensure you have a solid repayment plan to avoid over-leveraging your home.Focus on long-term rentals that generate steady cash flow and offer tax advantages, such as depreciation and deductible expenses.

Ensure that the mortgage is assumable, and confirm that there are no due-on-sale clauses that could trigger the full loan balance. 

They can identify potential investment opportunities... not to mention all the tenant/landlord laws, eviction process, security deposits, accounting, end of year tax statements etc. lots of pitfalls to be avoided.wish you success in your ventures!

However, deeds in lieu of foreclosure can be subject to judicial attack by their grantors and their grantors' creditors.Grounds for attacks on deeds in lieu of foreclosure include the following:• That the deed was an equitable mortgage - that the parties intended the deed to be given as security for a debt and that the deed was not an absolute conveyance.• That the deed is either a preferential or fraudulent transaction within the purview of the provisions of the federal Bankruptcy Act or any other related state law.• That the deed is a device to clog a mortgagor's right of redemption.• Unfairness of the consideration.• Coercion, fraud, oppression, duress, and undue influence.• That the deed is not subsequent to the execution of the mortgage but contemporaneous with it.• That the grantor/mortgagor was insolvent at the time of the execution of the deed.An estoppel affidavit (executed and acknowledged by the grantor/mortgagor, attesting to the fairness of the transaction, the consideration exchanged, the value of the property, and other factors showing an intention to make a genuine transfer) or a recital (inserted directly in the deed) are supporting documents used to forestall challenges to these transactions.State law and local title standards must be consulted in regard to the consideration and treatment of deeds in lieu of foreclosure.What a GREAT post!   

Some lenders offer creative solutions, like a cross-collateralized loan, where they use your existing equity as security without refinancing the duplex.Another idea is partnering with private lenders or exploring a second-position mortgage, depending on your lender's terms.