Ideally, when you are looking for long term holds you want to make sure you are buying in a market with good potential to see approximately 3%+ appreciation progressively over the next 3-5 years with an increasing rent market.

While the properties depreciate, there is one thing that can hold the value and that is cashflow.

What is the best way to raise and hold the money while you search for a deal? 

Also, you will assume the Basis in any real estate holdings which could have future capital gains implications.Pros.This is a great way to take over an existing loan subject to that would be really hard for the lender to claim due on sale default.

Gym, a few more emails, walk/run to beach, work, Hot tub, return emails, swim, repeat.

It's a portfolio loan they underwrite and hold in house & have strict credit/DTI requirements (as they should) since they can leverage up to 95% on pure investment properties. 

Alvin,Sounds like you're targeting a buy-and-hold buyer, given the fact that the property is in reasonably good condition. 

There’s nothing worse than a cold shower and I would move faster than anything if I was repeatedly having cold showers when my lease was up.

If you buy a place, just be sure you want to hold onto it long term, at least 5 years and better if 10 years or more. 

They might want to hold the property in an LLC, and have its own bank account for expenses