Do they take care of the place, pay rent on time, etc? 

I've heard too many horror stories about people that pay cash for a property because they think they are getting a deal.A moron of an owner could see they could get a much higher price if they just put in the exit signs (etc) and then sold to someone with a bank loan. 

Assuming that no debt is involved, Is paying that cost necessarily better than paying the tax on your long term capital gain in the property?

You will also need to factor in utilities as you will be paying those and expect some tenants to abuse it (or not use them wisely). 

You have a week and you have the cash to pay all the debts?

Question, can i use HELOC from primary residence to buy land somewhere else and be able to deduct interest that I pay on HELOC?

Example: when a potential seller insists on being given the price you would pay for their home over the phone.

I would pay Wealthability if I see that the proposal would indeed save us more than we pay for the fee. 

Sure the terms can be different as fixed and mixed rates can have up to a 2% fee for early pay down.

You won't pay tax anyway through that.