Most conventional or Non-QM lenders will require an independent third part assessment but if the LTV is low enough and some compensating factors, occasionally for a rate and term refinance lenders will allow a drive by or 'online' appraisal.

If you're the kind of person that needs hard math and graphing to understand things, this is completely the book you need on building wealth through duplex living.If your wife is behind you in this idea, and can see it as a move to financial independence, congratulations, you're in the small minority, as I am.

You can learn to do this independently or get a rockstar REALTOR to lead the way.

Those who buy subsidized properties are gambling their financial independence upon the good will of the taxpayer who has just about reached the limits of his willingness to support these social programs.

I would not recommend using appraisal gaps because if the appraisal is less than the offer 1) you are overpaying for the property based on the value set by a skilled independent appraiser 2) you have to come in with a bigger down which impacts return, reserves, etc. 

I am brand new to not only investing in real-estate but also to trying to become financially independent.

@David M.The better managed funds will have audited financial statements and typically also submit semi annual or quarterly reports.Those that go regulation a+ also have to submit to the sec so their information is all public.Like anything, some private are better than public and vice versa, really comes down to the sponsor/CEO and the team in the majority of instances.

I'd stay put and I hope this works out for you @Solomon Rosenberg public REIT investment is still way better than private syndication, because of public transparency and the financial progress is getting audited.

I have a pension, so my retirement gives me a source of income totally independent from my rental properties.

assuming work completes after closing.In the event of an audit, is it a red flag if we claim an "improvement" after the closing date occurred?