Pete,That location is most likely in a lower income/higher crime area (read the crime section of the Tacoma News Tribune, seems like most of the stories originate from that area), which is likely why the 4-plex is priced much lower than the comps i've seen elsewhere in Tacoma.  

There no reason to wait any time or have any “whichever is lower” rule come into play.

Very easy : Go to the courthouse and the real estate records are in the lower level (If you come in from Pryor street, it's technically below the scanner and guards) .

@Jennifer Marshall I know you are down in the San Marcos/Austin/San Antonio area but in DFW you can get the lower end (read as less desirable colors) granite at about $28/sq ft installed.

My question is: with my current income, I could rapidly pay down a property using my own personal funds in a 2-3 year time frame.

In short, my long-term plan is to begin investing in SFH (much lower barriers to entry) or small MFH (Duplex, TriPlex, Etc) to raise capital and build my resume with the goal in mind of getting into larger MFH/Commercial properties as quickly as I can. 

I am telling them to avoid that deal like the plague, although I have no idea where to suggest alternative financing.As for her own property, they are willing to refinance her at a slightly lower interest rate, and switch it over from 26 remaining years to 15 with lower monthly payments.  

Preferably in Westchester County, Rockland County, Lower Hudson Valley in New York, North New Jersey or Western Connecticut. 

Preferably in Westchester County, Rockland County, Lower Hudson Valley in New York, North New Jersey or Western Connecticut. 

In my experience I didn’t notice windows lowering the  energy costs much, certainly not to the point that they were a good investment by energy standards related to heat bills .