It was worth it to pay her $12K to be gone.Timing: we got in, got out, did all the necessary work, made it pretty, all in about three weeks.Money report:$160K purchase$12K cash for keys$100K rehabRehab details: We’ve got the pictures of the exterior in the first post, but one thing I forgot to take pictures of was the interior of this place.

I read a report that said that the vacancy rate had dropped from 6% to 15%. 

I know for a fact from the last Call Report on a bank I have located, that they have $109,000,000 in non-accruals.  

Option money is standard.Put another way, what incentive does a seller have to give your a 'free look' at an inspection report.

Removing wallpaper, painting, taking up carpet to reveal hardwood floors in good shape, updating lighting, door knobs, front doors, and landscaping are all good investments that pay back a great deal, and might not cost nearly as much as you think. 

Lastly, you could always provide bank statements or your credit report to the seller with your offer.

Because I have been doing the analysis reporting for Eggleston Realty, I always check comps.

In Texas lanldords must allow early termination of a lease in the case of domestic violence.The requirements are pretty straight forward, in that any tenant with a court-ordered restraint and police report for a domestic abuse/violence issue can leave without penalty.Usually, but not always, the court order will mandate who stays, who goes, and who's responsible for the lease. 

@Bob Bowling, I realize that I am revealing my inexperience here, but I am curious what you mean: if not for cash flow, for what should we be investing?

@Austin SnowOh the joys of Denver zoning....if you go the route of asking for a variance please report back on your experience....I always just assumed I was locked into whatever the 2010 rezoning allowed for.