In addition to just being the closing attorney chosen by the seller, they also look over or can prepare the purchase contract for the FSBO.On a last deal (didn't work out) that was a REO (At that time my agent forwarded the contract with the addendum to me.)

Also, be prepared to have your friend play a different role.

The assessed value can be appealed, but be prepared to provide real evidence to support a lower market value...not just "$X is what I paid for it."

I saw some comments that a basic preparer does your tax return, and then you get 10min with the CPA and basically rushed out.

If this is the case, the seller will not be prepared to pay a broker fee (buyer or seller).

Im not trying to scare you, just prepare you. it will probably be a great deal, and all work out, just be aware. 

From a practical standpoint it appears a landlord should be prepared to wait 6 months to clear the existing tenant and/or come to some kind of agreement with tenant to move--I would not call it extortion, but with financial assistance apparently available for deposits, an existing tenant has a lot of leverage over a selling landlord.Are you thinking that DCHA makes the payment to a tenant to relocate them prior to the end of a lease rather than the landlord as well as that DCHA essentially has to sign off on any eviction/termination with cause that is prior to the end of a lease term (and it appears that can only be after the first 12 months?)?

Warning: once you put a request in, be prepared for instant responses!

If the HML forecloses and ends up with the property you get nothing - zero - you only get something if someone buys the HML interest and they have to deal with you to make it complete.But if the buyer is at 100% financing and the HML forecloses and your in second position - you get zip.Be 100% prepared to lose this money before you invest it.

Also if the duplex is older, be prepared for higher maintenance costs.