I know that sounds probably cliche to invest in real estate investment trusts as a member here, but I really do think the REITs I've invested in are sound - although Inland Real Estate company has been having some issues lately regarding their commission structure on internal sales that are apparently costing shareholders more money, but it seems like the funds are still remaining within their umbrella of real estate companies...hard to explain.

It's just so strange to me to see people buying rentals that won't cash flow, or buying flippers that remain on the market for months.

If we had canceled during the feasibility period, the seller would have received $1000 of that and the remaining $4000 would have been returned to my buyer.Again, it's all very negotiable with the seller.

I hope you are shocked.Now, calmly, on the other hand, if you are just speculating, that is, you are just happy with the general rise in the market, as long as all the old owners remain optimistic enough to keep on sitting tight so that there are few sellers, as long as enough high-tech jobs continue to pour into Portland (doesn't have to be many), as long as there is money in China looking for a way to not just disappear into thin air as in China it might (because at least here in Seattle that source seems responsible for most of the price-raising buying activity), then sure, maybe you are happy to pay 5.5% for the privilege of gaining that speculative increase in equity. 

I'm making the downstairs into an apartment for myself and then renting out the remaining 3 bed 1.5 bath  upstairs. 

We went through a mortgage broker Axia but the underwriting is being done by First Hawaiian Bank.  30% down required, and because the lease has fewer then 30 years we're financing over 22 years (27 years remaining on lease, bank requires remaining years - 5). 

It will be some percentage of the fair market value of the house or the unpaid principle balance remaining on the note, whichever is less.

For now I'm  paying off my 2 remaining seller financed apt bldg mortgages.

There are valid reasons for both sides of the argument, however in the end, the decision remains by you and only you.

Pay Off Lender: $49KPay Off Investor: $16K ($2K profit)Remaining $1K goes to an emergency fund for the property.