I have a client who lives in Cambridge, MA and is looking to purchase their first home.

Currently I own a ranch style home in Springfield, MA.

For example in MA you need a bachelors degree to qualify (among of course the real estate req.'

At a 600K sales price is looks like I'd have a gain of $46,391 after subtracting passive losses (and adjusting for half)Therefore if i'm understanding correctly it would be 25% of 46,391 and then state taxes (i'm in MA so 5%) of $2320 and what about Medicaire tax--is that applied too?

Hey AliciaI know I"m a little late but I just wanted to throw my hat in the ring on this one. 

I am now located in Boston, Massachusetts and had been having trouble winning any bids on any decent house here. 

If they won't deliver vacant, here in Massachusetts, we use estoppel certificates which highlight all the key information like rent amount, security deposits, etc.Also, ask for bank records showing that they have received consistent rent payments for the amount the seller stated. 

We have a similar long term housing situation on Cape Cod in Massachusetts and was curious to see if there is any first hand knowledge from other investors.

In the two states where I was licensed (Mass and Maine), the only ways to close was by a "wet" in-person signature (non-electronic) or by a power of attorney.I was also a Notary Public in Massachusetts. 

In MA to transfer title you had to pass septic inspection, not so in other states.