Any place you could afford to buy just starting out would probably not be the kind of location that would ensure the success of your store (high-end shoes require high-end buyers, who will not be hanging around in low-rent areas, right?)

Many newer folks use their own RE agent to ensure that someone is representing their interest.

I am in the position to pay cash for one property in this price range but realize that wouldn't allow my money to be working as hard as it could compared to leveraging the bank's/lender's money.The Question: To those creative and experienced out there, I feel there might be a solution to my goals in buying my first investment property in cash.

If you guys have any creative ways or better ideas on how to go about purchasing this property I would love to hear feedback.

Lastly, any recommendations on how hard my friend should push back on this or any other questions he should be asking to ensure that any risk is mitigated?

If you are talking about paying $50k, for a property that is worth $100k, that are some creative ways to do that,,,if your talking about $85k on a $100k valuation,,,you won't be pulling any money out anytime soon.Mortgages on investment properties are typically 75% of the appraised value (again, on investment property, not your personal residence).A couple of years ago you could work something like that if you found a super deal,,end up pulling cash out,,unless your market is a LOT less competitive than Dallas,,your not going to be paying 60% of appraised value (unless it needs rehab, but then you have to add that cost in)

Do I need to find an investor friendly mortgage company here in Indy that deals with creative financing and deals of this nature?

Jennifer,Yes, you will be required to file a tax return due to the amount of income you earned regardless of what the net income may be.You should file it regardless of profit or loss to ensure you start the statute of limitations for audit.

You may want to ensure your not buying someones litigation landmine.

Thanks for the creative idea!