But I think his hard work and rental history is at least enough to see if he's got a chance to actually own an asset with equity and continue paying on the note.

If you had chosen to amortize the points in 2012, you can continue to do so.

Buyers will face competitive conditions this season due to continuing inventory depletion carrying over in March housing trends.While there has been a slow down at the rate that total listings are staying on the market, 36 of the largest 100 markets in the country are still seeing inventory move at least a week faster than this time last year, according to Vivas.

Anyway, we want to continue buying rental properties.

If they refuse you then decide if you wish to take the risk of continuing or dropping out of the sale.

I've never structured seller financing.I've thought of a near full price offer with interest only for 5 years (a little gamble that rents will continue to rise and values will at least stay steady) or the financing and paying them $225ish.The owner said my proforma seemed faulty accurate (I lose $206 monthly after moving and fully renting) so there needs to be wiggle room for win-win here.Asking the BP universe: what offer methods and tactics have you found to be most successful?

I don't know how scalable our model is for you, but we plan to continue this approach. 

The new tax laws eliminate home equity indebtedness, but you can continue to deduct acquisition indebtedness.

Cash out of LA, pick up a 4-plex, SFR and continue your free lance lifestyle with less stress.

I think you need to decide if you enjoy the full hands on experience of self management...and if you want to continue to invest the time.Hope this helps some.