Loan rate/terms get complex once you hit that 5+ unit property, so you'll ideally want to work with someone who can help on both sides of your plan.I'd also consider MTR as an option for a $70K property.

For loaning money, you'll learn something about the friend and hopefully feel good being able to help someone out. 

In my current situation I don't have any capital available, and have a very large student loan burden. 

A contract for deed doesn’t transfer legal title, it’s a contract that states title WILL BE transferred when the loan is paid off, or a specific amount of equity is accumulated in the property.  

For a lot of fixer upper homes, my offer, using an renovation loan, often loses out to lower offer cash buyers. 

Probably most of a duplex with a tiny loan.

They sit back and wait as their properties go up in value and their tenants pay off loans for them.

The cash yield from the loan would be greater than the yield from renting the property, even with area appreciation. 

Would the property and the loan being in my name be an issue?

Jay, I am still waiting for information from the loan officer.