However, we would like to be less generous and raise the price of the house to maximize profits.

BONUS - At some point you need to take a RISK.  

I buy this one, you buy that one, she buys the next one, etc.When it comes to deploying capital, we can serve as each other's hard money lender (but we can agree to be more generous with loan terms than any other HML would be!).

.  :-)    I guess if you feel these guys can help you find deals and you get pre-approved for conventional funding, that's a bonus.  

Many times I get a check in the mail from a certificate being paid and it's from another investor (that bought a different year's certificate) that filed for the deed and had to pay my balance off.A neat bonus that usually isn't promoted is that no matter how soon a certificate is redeemed, the investor will get a minimum 5% return.

I would imagine they're pretty good neighbors, and the dog walking is certainly a bonus.

Buy and Hold is a good long game where you can have the renters pay your mortgage down, get some cash flow and hopefully the property appreciates over time so you have that bonus too.  

We picked up this home from the MLS and knew it had loads of potential -- 2000+ sqft, views, pool, privacy, bonus detached studio.  

The added bonus to what you are contemplating is that the new primary residence is not part of the exchange.  

I figure getting that commission will always be an added bonus in any transaction!