Should I cut my losses now rather than spending money on engineering reports, more inspections, appraisals, major repairs I wasn't anticipating, or should I hang in there to see what the seller can do for me?

However, they do contact your creditors to get balances/ interest cut in half.

Isn't this guy just cutting edge entrepreneur?

there are several ways you can get into a property much sooner, many bee now:1) Sounds like you have a good income, ave up for 20% down.2) Finad a bank loan for 80% and an owner that will carry the difference between you down payment and the 20%.3) Find an owner that will do seller finance and cut the bank out entirely.Good luck to you and your husband.

Also, the duplex is on the edge of small pocket of 70s built, trashy, low quality rentals but with new construction on one side and a gentrification program pushing in from the other.

Just saying "The tenants are not allowed to use the driveway or the garage" doesn't cut it.

Should I have someone cut a hole in my roof to add an Attic fan?

You pay for the rehab, after the repairs are done and they verify them and cut you a check for 20,000.

Just do the right thing and don't cut corners and you should be fine with plenty of insurance.

I would not suggest doing a Subject-to transaction over a HELOC for say more than 90 days, those are more apt to being called or cut off raising issues.Search here for Subject-To, basically it deeds the property subject to the existing mortgage or other liens, the buyer accepts those liens and pays them.