Thing is, even if the home owner agrees, the bank likely wont.2) Rehab cost isn't really determined by preference (read: I am willing to put X into the property), it's really driven by what is required to make the property rent ready as dictated by the market that you're in.

HOWEVER, in my market many of the deals at the moment are in smaller single family homes (SFH) and some duplexes so I am starting to turn my attention toward those b/c that is what my market is dictating based on how i invest - cash flow.

The market dictates the rent.

Getting the best tenants you possibly can is critical, because having to drop several thousand dollars every time you turn a unit takes all the fun (and profit) out of ownership.Rents are what the market dictates.

The market dictates the price, not you or the bank.

Discuss with a lender/creditor attorney regarding Safe Act/Dodd Frank issues, as seller financing to owner/occupants is now subject to more regulations these days that dictate how you need to put the deal together.

Especially, REO -- bank, however, will dictate what financial institution to use.

Your strategy will dictate some additional steps that are needed.

But financing realities dictate most of my actions.

Experience would also dictate you have a short list of potential roommates before you commit to your new abode.