I've seen that they have a bit of a presence here on the BiggerPockets forums, including some informational videos that they put up (Yellow Ladder Tip of the Day). 

Did you get copies of the financials including any funds held in escrow?

Will appraise over our rock bottom selling price of $500k but buyer is "making the case " that he only will qualify for $490k, DP included. 

However, the area has a slightly shady reputation, which makes me a bit cautious.As a first-time investor, I could really use some guidance on what key factors I should consider before making an offer.

This type of financing will typically look very different and more like a traditional commercial real estate loan.That means a DSCR calculated based on a full NOI and expense load (so inclusive of vacancy loss estimates, credit loss estimates, repairs and maintenance, utilities, management fees and more – in addition to the property taxes and insurance expense that are the only expenses factored in on traditional residential style DSCR loan financing).Additionally, the DSCR minimums are generally going to be higher (typically up to 1.25x), the loan to value ratios lower (higher down payments) and underwrite more sophisticated (which makes sense considering the size and scope of the property).Many multifamily investors for properties of this size (such as more than 11 units) can syndicate capital and have more sophisticated financial and entity structures – its definitely a different world once you get up here in unit count.In Conclusion – when you are looking to invest in multifamily real estate and finance your investment – make sure you have the unit count in mind before you start shopping – the unit range can have a huge effect on your options.

Answer - There are a multitude of platforms (BP included) that has active cash buyers looking for deals every day all day. 

This encompasses eleven authorized activities within the real estate sector, including development, construction, leasing, and brokerage.750 Hours Test: In addition to meeting the 50% test, individuals seeking Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) must surpass 750 personal service hours materially engaged in one of the specified real property trades or businesses.Understanding Material Participation:Material Participation: Only hours deemed material to the operation of a real estate business are counted towards qualification.

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23DSCR lenders generally let you vest either individually or as an LLC.

If an investment property, there non-warrantable DSCR loan options.Some details:Loans available for purchase, rate and term refinance (no cash out) and cash-out refinanceCredits score down to 620LTV are up to 75% for purchase and 70% for cash out.Rate buydown feature available.DSCR (lower of gross rent lease or Form 1007/216 rent divided by PITIA) as low as 1.0x.For experienced investors (one year of investor experience and own home), short term rentals can be structured off of 12 month short term rental history with 20% expense factor.

-The conventional rehab loan requires a general contractor to give one quote, with all of the subcontractors included.