thanks for you input john, when i first saw it i was saying to myself "damn brand new, nice area and close to my home" then i said "how in the hell can these guys get that?"

For tax delinquencies make sure you read all tax liens very carefully and you should confirm the amount outstanding before making an offer.Good luck ...

damn that is cheap.....

In both cases the amount of outstanding finance exceeds the real estate tax assesment valuation of each property.

Finding a mentor willing to actually train you, pay you, and let you learn from them is pretty damn valuable.

(I'm also keen to handle this amicably.)I was just going to let it go, but the tree-removal quotes I've received are for nearly $2k (the whole damn house was only $60k--plus other rehab money I've already spent on it). 

I still continue exploring my options and have not decided what to do yet.Taxes are up to date as I took care of an outstanding tax lien on the property.  

You think the PM gives a damn about your finances or experience?

If they had outstanding loans that never get paid, etc.Really, because you have the inside advantage, you can know everything about your friend or relative to make a very informed decision than to just accept a partner who is a stranger.Of course your relatives will think you are nosey, but hey, you have to protect yourself BEFORE you agree to get into a deal.Put it this way, if the Bank can go through all of this stuff and they will, then time for you to do it BEFORE the bank does it to make sure that you won't have problems.

Your property manager is a damned self-interested fool for suggesting this.You're not being paranoid.