But if you are trying to verify ACTUAL rents being paid, then you have to see bank deposit statements and tax returns - assuming that there are no cash rent payments that are simply pocketed by the landlord and never showing up on the books as income.

I always recommend this simply for the experience.

It seems to me you are suggesting that the owner of the multi family is going to be motivated to sell his/her property at a discount to you, simply because he/she has a property tax.

I think this is perfect for an investor simply wanting to do their own deals.

The reason some don't own even though it may be cheaper is because they have terrible or no credit or they simply do not want to own.If numbers don't work, then you either have to look via other sources (ie. not houses for sale on the MLS) or look in another area.Not everyone is flooding the market to be an investor because not everyone is willing to get into real estate.

., do you show before and after pictures or simply the newly renovated property?

I provide this simply as an FYI and hopefully to protect you in the future.

It is simply a clause in the note.

Is it simply speculated supply and demand, or is there a simpler approach?

As stated above I simply just went with umbrella insurance and called it a day.