Buyers are brining $4k to close, sellers want you to have skin in the game.

With this many units, you should start with healthy reserves- do you have savings that would cover a new roof or furnace if you need one in the next few months? 

this is why a two part LEASE with an Option to buy is recommended. if they don't pay U evict as tenant.. or you need a major amount of skin in the game.  

The best way to ensure a healthy deal flow is by building honest relationships with local brokers.

Chances of default decreases in proportion to the skin in the game the buyer has.

I know people say you can do real estate investing without your own money...but usually a HML will want you to have some skin in the game anyways.

They have more skin in the game then you do.Make sure you get clear title.

Debating issues is fine and healthy, but personal attacks add no value and will be removed. 

For our numbers sake, we are going to negotiate/plan for 5% down so he at least feels we have some skin in the game.Now, the property. 2 bed/1 bath each side duplex built in 1957, he didn't say asking price but said (paraphrasing) "Zestimate says about $100k but you look at the market and see what you think"...his mentality has seemed pretty carefree about it all.

It's a scary thought, however.I understand how SD-IRAs work, so I'd like to know how you took the leap to moving your retirement funds from a 'secure' position in a standard investment scenario to self-directing your retirement funds into real estate.My sense: this is a good way to have skin in the game and create a track record, particularly when I start to invite others to invest with me, while increasing my return.Thank you for contributing your thoughts and ideas, I look forward to hearing about your experience self-directing your personal IRA funds.Cheers-Jarid