This gives you a foundation for making a fair offer.Secure Financing: Be prepared to show you’re a serious buyer with funding lined up, whether through cash, traditional financing, or a creative option like seller financing.Have a Strategy for Repairs or Development: If the property is distressed, outline how you’ll handle improvements to bring it back to productive use.

You want a property that has the highest probability of maxing out on appreciation.Once done, you would want to explore the options below to maximize your rental income:- STR- MTR- Rent by RoomYou should go into this understanding YOU will live in the worst unit - in an illegal unit in the basement if you can!

Keep providing value add options for your owners & they'll keep knocking.

Options like a unique amortization schedule or a 3/2/1 or 2/1 stepdown interest rate could provide initial relief to get you through the renovation phase while giving the seller confidence in a structured payoff plan.To determine an entry point, consider reducing the price based on the current NOI.

@Heather Bailey while I live in my duplex, I have a standard Hazard insurance policy and I also carry an additional 500k umbrella policy (optional); both policies cover the entire building, but there's no separating it. 

Due to the creativity of the deal conventional funding is not an option.

Taking out more debt does not sound like the best option IMO.

For instance - Easter baskets, Halloween candy, fun craft beers for St Patty’s Day, tons of options for Valentine’s Day, small tree and decor set up for Christmas, etc.  

These options could provide flexibility with your upfront costs and monthly payments.Expand Your Search Radius or Property Type:If you’re set on a single-family home, you might find more affordable options by expanding your search to nearby areas in San Diego County or by considering properties that need a little TLC.Partnerships:Partnering with another investor or family member might be a way to pool resources for a purchase.

If you’re looking for DIY options, PropStream and DealMachine can give you some lien info, but they may not always be 100% accurate or up-to-date.For Central Ohio, check with the county recorder’s office or clerk of courts for lien and judgment records.