I can list the property while it is still being rented, reducing my carrying costs.

Anytime I can secure easy funding for more than I can earn - its a great deal!

Because it is the government, there is an extra dimension involved - fraud and criminal charges.The consideration the seller gives is a reduced price and/or interest rate.

Hey Greg,I originally started out in residential as a real estate broker.I looked at residential for investment but never pulled the trigger for various reasons.I felt back then the market couldn't keep going up and I was right.I know many sellers now that are STUCK and wish they could buy but they can't because they bought at the height of the market.I only do commercial now.From an earnings standpoint as a broker it doesn't make sense for me to put in 40 offers for an investor on a small house to maybe make 700 to 1,000 bucks on the deal when it finally happens.If I can put the same time and effort into commercial and make 10 to 100 times that much on 1 deal then why work more for less??

Was earning about 50k a year for past two years playing online, payed taxes, played ~500 hours/year, have tons of documentation.

Over the years I've made some bad decisions and guess still making em, I.e. investing in stocks, over the board lifestyle, kids going to private schools, big house, expensive cars etc.I just turned 40 and all of sudden I realized that I don't have significant savings, what if something goes wrong and I cannot continue working or suffer a huge loss.I had to set a goal for myself and my goal is to earn atleast $25K/month passive Income in next 4-5 years.

Jeff,My wishing to make this work serves two functions; neither of which is slimy IMO.First, it reduces the seller's counterparty risk.

Unless it's a corporate tenant with a long term proven track record that would mean nothing to me as an investor.The reason is businesses fail everyday.Even if the business has thrived for the last few years they might have been only going out of the home or a small space.Now they are going bigger in space and they may or may not grow as expected and the rent might take them down.They could be down sizing in space and carrying a ton of debt and fixing to go under.So as an investor the track record and seasoning and performance of the lease is critical when doing an income approach.You also have to analyze if rents are dropping in the area.Even if the tenant has been there awhile they might be jumping ship for a lower rate elsewhere and the lease is coming up soon.I think FSBO really isn't going to get you a higher price.The agent bringing a buyer will now have to do 2 jobs with the buyer and the seller for one fee.Also the buyer will see you are saving on the listing commission compared to other properties listed for sale and will reduce the offer to you.It's a classic mistake of the seller thinking they are saving the listing commission and the buyer reducing in the offer.

You make money on the sale, the home builders earn their money and the new owner is thrilled with their new space.

Reducing the number of renters surely won't increase the price.