I would call it a red flag if they resist giving you everything you request for your DD document list quite quickly, their speed and thoroughness in response to that shows their willingness to sell imho.When you schedule your inspection you want all your professionals there at the same time to go through a single time, contractor, inspector, and any specialists you think you might need like roofer, engineer, etc.Also don’t feel pressured to make your DD and inspection time as limited as is common in SFR, give yourself 2-3 months at least, again, from when they deliver the docs you request.Besides financial DD you want to do physical DD not just on the property via inspections but visiting the area during day and night, weekdays and weekends, to ensure you have a feel for everything that’s happening at different times all the way around the block.

I use TD Ameritrade Institutional which is carefully managed by a professional with a minimal fee structure.  

There are ways to structure it so that the seller doesn't see the assignment price, but the end-buyer usually does find out because they are assuming the contract so they have the right to see what they are assuming. 

If there is a similar piece of land that you do not own then you could structure an exchange to fund both the lot purchase and the construction costs.You've hit on the conventional way to defer and possibly eliminate those taxes - the 1031. 

Even though the HUD program doesn't require you to be experienced, the program is truly created for a more experienced investor because of the cost and the structure of draws.If your loan amount is $1MM above you can go to Agency which does offer 5-year, 7-year, 10-year etc. fix with up to 30-year amortization.

Hello: So, I have a chance to make a deal for a few rentals, but I am not sure the best way to structure it to satisfy both sides. 

I suggest you structure the L/O so that the T/B will have 5%-10% saved up toward exercising the option.2.

@Jay West the structure you are describing is commonly referred to as “Syndication”.  

I'm a buy and hold investor in Massachusetts and am looking for a recommendation for a lawyer that's knowledgeable on structuring equity partnerships and debt investments in MA. 

Edens Structural.