If it's a short sale you should already have a signed authorization from the seller to discuss with all parties the particulars of the existing loan on the property and any other junior liens. 

The important part is that the property had a CO (if required) or was lived in at some point in time- was this house?  

He said that most of the time their inability to recognize and adjust for that difference, it ends up creating very poor results for both parties involved.  

In a world of negative "real interest rates"  investors flock to "hard assets", of which, real estate is a large part.  I

I expected to use a third party to make sure the mortgage was paid.

Having utilized LegalZoom of course they are providing all of these additional services, which are really just contracts to 3rd party vendors.

Then remember the starting out part is when income is lowest so it will take a while for agent income to help you get a loan.

But I was always at every party, most major campouts and so forth.No one is going to be able to tell you what the right balance is, it's something that accomplishes your goals and makes the people around you jealous.

If you're shopping lenders you should be able to get 4.5% for only 3rd party costs right now.

If the remaining party decides to stop paying rent, you can go after both couples for the rent so long as both couples are still on your lease.