Try to look at publicly traded real estate developers, they may disclose some similar project budgets, but be aware that doing a project of that scale requires and lot of political connection which may increase or decrease your cost.

The 25% convention is a non-owner occupied loan and does not require you to live there

For commercial, you'll actually have to call local banks and establish a relationship and explain who you are and what you're doing, etc.The final point i'll make about your strategy is about recourse: typically, residential loans are "non-recourse" which means that they are collateralized against the one property, but not  your other personal assets.

Below is a publication the IRS put out to understand the taxation of rental property.https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p527.pdfThe IRS describes that charging a family member rent that is below market rent is considered a personal day.

Our title company does not close any of our deals until they receive the "special assessment" reports which will outline any fees charged by DNS(dept. of neighborhood services) for code violation non-compliance, special work done around the property etc....

this is an auction .com property subject to overbid.. the chances of you getting this for that price are slimnot only that you will need non refundable EM of at least 3% and you have to close in the name that the contract is in.. no assignments this keeps the wholesalers at bay.. properties just don't sell that deep of discount in the uber hot Portland market.. at least not on MLS  heck lots sell for 100 to 150 k with nothing on them :)

It can even expose you to IRS penalties for non-compliance.

The advantage of having an up-to-date RE accountant, is that they can help you strategize utilizing tax benefits, that a non-specialist may not even be aware of.

Is it possible to purchase REOs soon after the loan servicer has taken possession, but before it hits the general public?

I am looking into purchasing my first property in pittsburgh and rent it out as long term investment.I have following hopes/strategies:- Safe area (B/B+)- Reasonable cash flow- Good appreciation potentialI am thinking following locations (which can totally be non sense)- Attract high income workers (close to IT hubs?