I like the fact that one and a half units pays all bills.

If your paying cash to buy and rehab then refinancing I get that.. but your still paying for two closing costs.

If I can pay it off in a 7 years I’m fine.

He knows the loan will pay and they won't default because he knows they're solid. 

@Aaron Bard- plenty of  lenders  offer  DCSR loans ...contact a  few  for  quotes ...also - dont  pay  any  lenders  at the beginning of the process 

Buyers don't look for financing and its foreign so they don't jump on a forsale listing on zillow.I've had the best (only) luck with zillow rental adds,   starting with the pitch;  rent to own, live in a great home while you pay off owning it. 

If you have a great-paying, long-term tenant, a small discount can actually save you money in the long run.

@Robert Brock, I guess my advice is not really any different than I would say to someone wanting to be a residential wholesaler: you need to add value to the transaction.Often times, having the deal tied up is the value, but more often then not, in my limited experience with commercial wholesalers and residential, the wholesaler has no idea what someone will actually pay, so they tie up a deal at too high a price and then add their fee that turns a bad investment into a horrible investment. 

If it takes you two months two find a tenant willing to pay $1,700, then you'll still basically break even in the long run - the net to you is the same. 

Then she still only makes 2% extra for taking the risk of you not paying versus a bank.