So, w hat you're really asking is this:1 - Is it better to pay for the entire cost of the property by yourself, or let the tenant(s) pay for the vast majority of the cost for you?

@Kyle Majors a lot of it is just getting the property out there onto the market.

I believe in the Millionaire Real Estate Investor the book said of all the millionaire real estate investors that were interviewed the overwhelming majority preferred to keep at least 20% - 30% of equity in each deal to protect against downturns as opposed of being leveraged to the hilt.

and people in major distress /  IE foreclosure women are more soothing and more apt to listen .. then some slick talking dude trying to steal their equity  LOL.. 

What are the rents like, and did you face any major challenges that were unique to the region?

The 15 years is a major "no go". 

It would help if you had somebody that knows a little bit about buildings to point out major flaws. 

I was just curious about others opinions because I have had some newer investors from Asheville say they would only pay $160k and I'm wondering what formula they are using because only homes in major need of repairs are 160k and I know from my own rehab projects that and 30 to 60k would need to go in them to get good rent.

Have a small property with a $95k ARV. Purchased the note for $15k. There are approximately $10k in delinquent taxes. Property will need ~$15k in work to achieve the ARV.Owner really wants to stay and can (with a BIG ...

Allowing them the non-refundable fee would be a nice gesture since they will deal with the short-term issues, but ultimately you deal with long-term issues of having a pet in your property and should receive the majority of the monthly fees.