For larger repairs you can DIY and save tremendously.

If you want to build a business and develop a reputation as a “problem solver,” partner up with your seller... and if course save on fee’s and all the other jazz.

I am trying to save up another 50k within a year or so.

Found a previous BP discussion here.Very helpful info here from attorney Robert RowleyThe WA Supreme Court found a mortgage broker guilty of buying "under duress" as defined under the DHL for helping a homeowner save a property that back taxes even though he had not even received a certificate of delinquency!"

If that doesn't concern you then you can do a general partnership and save the $800 minimum tax in California. 

@Daniel DietzThey seem pretty savvy and I've put the seller financing to them in several different ways and tried to frame it around tax savings, more money in the long run etc etc.  

On August 18 I am ending my lease so I can rent a room instead of an apartment to save money and pay down debt so I can be in the best position for homeownership next year.

As a homeowner turned renter and retiree from another state, I had assets (savings account balance) to prove my capacity to pay the rent for a year and a good credit score to prove my character of paying my bills on time.

Your credit will take a massive hit which may not be worth the interest savings of 18months compared with potentially worse terms on a new mortgage down the road (some lenders give rate discounts tiered with credit scores).I did exactly what you are proposing and have been wondering if I should just pay it all back. 

It's only roughly $100 "per door", but our goal overall is total cash flow, so $350-$400 total after all expenses and saving for repairs seems good to us.