Hi JohnYes, that's what I'm thinking- was hoping there might be a way to tap the equity in the church with a renovation loan, but not having much luck there. 12 percent is pretty well exactly what I'm looking at- debating whether less risky to just cash flow it slowly over time?

Laddering a few loans into many using hypothecation is another, but this takes enough money to make the first few loans.

My parents are looking to do a 1031 but they can’t qualify for a loan (the older property would only cover 60% of the new property) by themselves anymore so I’d like to do the loan under my name. 

The easy way to look at this situation is that our parents will be selling an investment property and doing a 1031 exchange. 

Even with conventional loans, unless you've been self-employed less than two years or don't report your income, it's the same as someone with W-2 employment We lenders just cash-flow you differently.

If you are saying he is in jail in another country maybe it is as simple as contacting someone to determine the situation and agree to terminate the lease.

What I am thinking is to use my va loan yearly to move and add a home to the portfolio.

The property backs up the loan, making it safe.

I started with four loans.

@Tonia EdgestonIf it’s non owner occupied you could get a hard money loan to pay back taxes and repairs but these are short term (typically 6-12 months) then you would need to refinance the propertyYou mention this is also in probate - depending also on other debts etc it all may be for not and you may need to sell to pay off other creditors.