In terms of the funding options for your next deal:1) if you have IRA (Roth or Rollover) consider SDIRA.2) if you have your own business, consider solo401k. you might be able to move Rollover IRA funds into it. also, a better option than #1 above from a taxes perspective3) partner up with money partner4) look into leveraging your personal life insurance policy as a loan (if you don't have one, go get it)5) you can borrow against your 401k at work up to $50k. you pay interest and all back to yourself

It wasn't a brand new vehicle, but in great condition and probably only a few years old. 

Believe me the odds are very heavily in the Python's favor to be able to squeeze the life out of you, and then to top if off eat you.

Saving $1100/month will change my life.

If competency is an issue, you may have bigger fish to fry.In re: probate, you can use sub-2 language to make closing conditional on probate outcome and ability to convey fee simple title to 100% of the house. 

We're told it's in mint condition, but we're estimating $5k as we'd like to install coin-operated laundry (hookups are already there) at the very least.

Wasn't worth the headache and these people can make your life a living hell to the point you just sell the thing as fast as you can.

My goal is to buy the properties with conventional financing, repair them to a rent ready condition if necessary, and hire a property manager to rent them out.

NCRR can be reduced, In some cases, sellers just want to hand you the property so they can get with their life.

Analyze the home’s condition, possible repairs—what does it look like it needs?