The seller is out of state and even visited the project a few times to check on the progress which I think helped him feel good about the whole deal as well. technology made the whole process a lot easier in the interim.

It’s crucial to consult a real estate attorney and tax advisor to structure the transfer in a way that minimizes tax consequences and aligns with your objectives.

My thoughts were that this would be a short-term solution.However, the more I think about it, I’m starting to lean toward a cash-out refinance over 25 years, with a minimum payment structure.

If a Designer or Contractor is proposing to remove a wall and does not think to check the structural integrity of said wall, then they are no one you should be dealing with.

My tax professional is stating that I would need an appraisal to show the lot/structure are valued at $400k if I try to claim $200k as a donation.

It might depend on what state the assets are in, and what state the entity structures in.

The structure will depend on the down payment, quality of borrower, terms of note, your cash out of the note sale needs, and other factors. 

Always good to see how each sponsor is structuring their deals as well. 

I've only been in a week so far, I'm hoping there is a little more structure for new members than there seems to be at this point.  

As far as whether to approach them with or without an agent - approaching them directly without an agent can save the seller probably 2.5-3% of fees, which give you some room to negotiate on the price, but you need to be confident that you are capable of evaluating the property value, estimating on the amount of work that is needed, knowing how to negotiate/ structure the deal, and navigating the closing process.