I'm looking to purchase a 2-4 unit multifamily. My understanding is that for a SFR, 20% down payment and for MFR its 25% down payment. I was having an informal conversation with a lender yesterday and he mentioned t...

I started out trying to find deals to wholesale to raise enough cash for flipping, but that quickly changed when I met other investors who are now to me great business partners and mentors. $30K could sound like not much in SoCal, but you can do many different things with that money if you invest it creatively and collectively.

Recent IRS rules have changed and now many such items can be written off in the year they were obtained - - this is why you need a CPA and not some tax service (HRB.s.) or online filing program.

How long -- Time on the market and price (reduction) are close cousins -Price softens as time moves on and motivation and reality is realizedEverything will sell at a price -The first thing I'd want to do is get the history of the property - how long on the market, why is it vacant - what's the reason for selling - is it listed - look at listingWhat is the mortgage balance - is it current or in the arrears - What other liens or obligations are on the propertyHow many owners - decision makersWhat is the commission - will agent splitAre they open to a reasonable and creative offersDo they want any profit or to just get it out of their nameCan down payment be paid over time -How much paper with they accept - delayed payments - principal mortgageWho is the decision makerHow fast do they want to settleEverything is negotiable - CONTROL IS KING - learn how to control real estate - it is a short cut to cash flow - it is the best way I know of assigning properties.Who controls real estate - An agent with a listing agreement (treat them well - they are in control for a period of time)An accepted option agreementA buyer with an accepted contract of sale with contingencies

Everything else you can adapt and change as you go.

One of the big topics I will be looking for on the forums are the issues with "cross border investing" I have been absorbing the podcasts as fast as possible, as there is tones of great info and tips sitting in there.I am sure I will be searching for / posting LOTS of questions to get things off on the right foot!

But a % change can be very high when the basis (i.e. denominator) is very low to begin with.  

Stick with the house hacking idea and change your thinking a little bit.

Also, when you can comfortably do it, change the exterior door locks.  

As soon as you cultivate this notion and put your efforts into the right place, the insights are life changing.