As a mental exercise, close your eyes and pretend I am a financial advisor, seeking an investment from you.

No question that sometimes my "do it all myself" mentality has limited some growth options. 

did he have mental health issues?

Worse yet, if the person does not have the mental capacity to sign, you want to protect yourself by getting someone with a POA to sign (as Kirk mentioned).

You know, I'm finding more and more Realtors that have this same mentality.

I do think you need to be mentally prepared for this deal falling apart.

I have taken over the family trust but it is specifically written that I cannot sell anything until my older sister, who is mentally handicapped, passes away (except if needed to pay taxes).Therefore, the only way to expand the investment portfolio is to finance some of the properties (21 are free and clear).

If I was selling a home to high end buyer, then my mentality would be different.

If you can't get at least a 35% discount from market, and have a list of good renters lined up I'd pass.However, to answer your direct question; yes rent to own is a profitable scheme, people who have the mentality to buy that way typically pay interest rates ABOVE 40% on appliances and housewares.I do a similar thing, I buy for cash and resell on a $2K down payment.

I don't really know.But 3 years as primary if you don't want to have to pay it back.Second - going from a pimp pad to a dorm room is quite the mental shift - I would think through living with college kids - but then again I am 41 and way past that party stage :)