Given today’s interest rates, a highly-leveraged arrangement (where you’re putting 3% or 5% down) probably isn’t going to generate any cash flow, so unless you’re comfortable with injecting money into the deal every month, I’d recommend accumulating more cash before you start investing.Generally speaking, a good place to begin is when you have enough for a 20% down payment, closing costs, and 3 to 6 months of reserves.

If you can arrange a visit to see how the tenant is taking care of their current place, that will open your eyes as well.

I am reaching out to inquire about the subletting policy for corporate leasing opportunities I am interested in exploring the potential for flexible rental arrangements within your properties.Could you please provide me with information regarding your corporate leasing policy and whether it allows for subletting or alternative rental arrangements?

@Steven Hamilton III reached out by email to arrange a consultation with you about the information below, but I also post it here in case you want to reply publicly so the response may also help others.

You could arrange payments with them (eg $1K a month for the next year with interest).

Are there any red flags I should watch out for when dealing with buyers who propose alternative arrangements like this?

Investors aren’t acquiring fractional property ownership but are instead buying income rights, meaning the arrangement avoids triggering real estate co-ownership laws or property title issues. 

@Tom Hall It is my understanding that if you talk with your mortgage company first and make the necessary arrangements you can recast your mortgage to get a lower payment by paying down a chunk of the mortgage at once.

There's a lot you can do remotely such as listing on websites, pricing strategies, arranging/order supplies, guest communications, going to the property and doing work on it (note: travel time generally doesn't count).

Next, arrange a site walkthrough to pinpoint any additional needs or potential challenges.