For the record - I am an international investor.

The lender just records the warranty deed and is the owner of the property.  

@Jorge LiangThe process to actually record a deed into the LLC after closing is generally fairly straightforward, but if you need to get an attorney involved, it may eat up those savings.

I just rented to someone with a prior eviction on their record Their story lines up with the paperwork I have available (it was more of a dispute with an HOA nosey Nancy, and their former roommate, than a tenant violation of terms - settled on agreement instead of a full eviction, and the problem roommate is no longer in the picture).

How to Structure the Deal to Protect Your $20KIf you’re willing to cover the $20K arrears, here’s how to protect yourself:Option 1: Secure Your Funds with a Lien or Escrow AgreementUse an escrow account: Deposit the $20K into escrow with clear terms—if the assumption is denied, the funds return to you.Record a promissory note & lien: If the deal falls through, this would give you a legal claim against the property to recover your funds.Option 2: Sub-To + Wrap While You AssumeSubject-to deal: Take over the existing loan payments before assumption approval, securing control.Escrowed deed transfer: The seller signs the deed into escrow only to be recorded after assumption approval, ensuring they can’t back out.Lease option fallback: If the assumption is denied, consider a lease option agreement until another solution is found.Option 3: Negotiate a Seller Financing HybridAsk the seller to carry a small second note for the $60K equity gap at favorable terms.Use your $20K as a down payment, structured as a secured loan against the property.3.

Amid surging demand for apartments, the US rental market is contending with the largest supply of new units in four decades. A report from Apartments.com shows that 178,000 newly constructed units entered the market i...

You might consider: Consulting a Real Estate Attorney – Your emails may possibly prove misrepresentation.Requesting Public Records – A FOIA request might reveal why the city denied you but later approved the duplex.Escalating to City Officials – Bringing this to local officials could expose inconsistencies.Exploring Tax Write-Offs – A CPA might help offset your financial loss, if it is possible.I’d definitely seek legal advice.

Below is the monthly average number of preforeclosure leads based on number of filed NOD, NOTS, LP occuring per month (from 10yr of data from recorders documents).

Did your borrowers mention securing your investment with a recorded mortgage or deed of trust, personal guarantees, lender’s title insurance, or anything else?

What is your track record of success?