The truth is, you could read 100 books and still not know enough because certain things need to be learned through trial-and-error.

When we finally had the trial the judge took one look at our case ruled the sale illegal and allowed my wife and I to sue for emotional damages and Fidelity to get there money back and lawyer fees (which I don't even want to know).The bank quickly settled and we got a small settlement which after taxes was soooo not worth it.

"Sandwich lease option" or some variation.

You've inspired me to write a similar story on how we got started with it, the numbers, and the trials and tribulations we've had in getting renovation work started.

You just have to be willing to go through some trial, error, and a few thousand dollars. 

It was truly trial and error.

Do some trials. 

If funds are not available the borrower may need to go stated or no doc.The variation of these is why long term goals need to be addressed.

Use that for investment for a period of time (there is again no statutory limit conservative wisdom recommends a year or two), and then change your mind and convert it to your primary residence  Changing the use does no trigger a recognition of gain and once you have lived in it for 2 out of the previous 5 year period and have owned the property for at least 5 years you can either continue to live in the property or sell it and take at least some of the gain tax free (it will be %allocated between qualifying, primary residence, and non-qualifying, investment use)Hard and fixed guidelines are few but the practice is very prevalent and with good guidance and planning you can accomplish this or a variation very easily.

Everything happens for a reason and I'm sure you'll have a better story in the future about your trials to success.