I didn't want to bring up the subject of searching for partners in this post as I didn't want to sound like my intent was to market for that.

Money that can be returned subject to conditions of the lease is a deposit.I would also charge pet rent. $25 per month per pet.Finally know this, that dog will be inside your property.

Financing is a subject I find particularly daunting,  though my day job is in accounting support.

If they can't, then they're often willing to do a subject to.

Listen to BP Podcast 70: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/05/15...It covers buying properties "subject-to" and turning around and selling them back to another buyer.

http://www.kcrg.com/subject/news/cedar-rapids-landlords-sue-the-city-over-housing-code-rules-20140509

Maybe this is area-specific and your location is different, but I have found that you often have to write an offer on a multi unit property first, subject to interior inspection.  

I had an appraiser perform a subject to appraisal and he said that with a fresh coat of paint and some other cosmetic repairs, the property would appraise for $300,000 at this point in time on the market.

You can also find a money partner (you do the work, they bring the money) or use creative financing (like subject to's). 

That's a whole other subject...