Our firm is planning on starting a Portal (legal term) next year on our roadmap because with $5M as the new threshold this really can move the needle for certain projects and sponsors.  

Quote from @Cheryl Abram: What legal filed docs are LPs entitled to see to help validate a deal's failure?

**Letter of Intent (LOI)**: Though not legally binding, an LOI can outline the basic terms and conditions of a potential deal before the final contracts are drawn up, ensuring that all parties are on the same page.It's always wise to consult with a real estate attorney to ensure that your contracts comply with local laws and protect your interests.

My humble advice to anyone attempting to do creative finance is:Creative finance is for experienced investors who have access to capital if anything goes wrong.Learn the lawsDon't use a contract "off the internet", laws vary by state and are also regulated on a federal levelLearn the financing techniques correctlyDon’t skip parts of the processDon’t ever do a “kitchen table” closingUse the proper deedAn attorney can help you with the legal work, but the rest you are on your ownYour guru will not bail you out“Investing” in someone else’s deal by providing a small 2nd loan so the “investor” can pay for “cash to the seller” and for “closing costs” so he can do the deal is a very bad planKnow what problems can ariseLearn the responses and solutions to problems before they are neededKnow everything there is to know about Title and what that meansKnow who a "protected class" individual isLearn the "back doors"Learn human natureUnderstand timelinesUnderstand regulation enforcement (some of these "mistakes" have a 10 year statue of limitations ( they can charge you 10 years AFTER you do the transaction) and carry hefty fines and possible imprisonmentThe court doesn't accept "I didn't know" for an answer"Know that the source of the lead plays a serious role in some states and federallyKnow how much of a "profit" pushes the boundaries to invite an investigationYou can be sued by the seller if you don’t do things correctlyYou are automatically at fault if an investigator or attorney or regulator gets involved.

Here are a few to watch out for:Property Condition: Most distressed properties need extensive repairs or renovations, which add to your initial investment.Competitive Market: With Phoenix's popularity among investors, competition for the best deals can be intense.Complex Deals: Foreclosures, auctions, or short sales are much more complicated compared to regular real estate transactions and usually require specialized knowledge.Tips to Successfully Navigate the MarketDo Your Research: Understand the local market conditions, including neighborhood trends, property values, and potential rental income.Build a Strong Network: Work with professionals who specialize in distressed properties-such as brokers, contractors, and legal experts-to make the best decisions.Assess Costs Carefully: Factor in the cost of repairs, holding costs, and any potential financing issues when evaluating a property’s profitability.Be Patient: Finding the right distressed property takes time.

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

Alternative is the sherif evicts him and I pay tax and insurance.I know we can have a gentleman's agreement on these things, but im still afraid he might be able to legally sue me if we have a legitimate residential lease?

As a business, a judge will expect YOU to know all the laws and legal procedures.Make a minor mistake and the judge is unlikely to give you a break and may rule in the tenant's favor.The judge will see the tenant as a consumer and may give them a lot of leeway in court, even give them borderline legal advice.You are in over your head, not having the knowledge to properly handle this.

Sometimes tenants bite, sometimes they don’t, but it’s worth a shot.Owner Move-In: If you’re planning to live in one of the units, you might be able to legally take it back.

Also, keep in mind that if you do self manage, you do put yourself at more risk for a legal issues.