I definitely agree where you're coming from though.

I agree with @Alex Yost. 

@Patrick Sercy, I completely agree! 

From what I've read, the terms of a seller financed deal is really whatever you and the seller agree on.  

@Willie WebbI agree with Cape Coral being better on the tail end.

I have a lot of out of state & out of country clients  buying condo units in Chicago and none of them have management companies.

@Diane Albano I 100% agree with @Sam Fackrell  it is too much for a mobile home in a community.

Of course, if you find a friend or family member that has some liquidity and wants to help, they may be very willing to agree to a 3-6% interest rate, and be flexible with the loan term.  

@Tom Smith Although I agree, REI is a great suggestion for the potential returns and tax benefits, the hidden fees you mention aren't necessarily a 401k problem, but the a downside of certain 401k administrators and custodians that unnecessarily limit participants in their plans.

I'm very new to the agent side although my wife is a real estate agent however we are currently living in the UK (the only country she is currently qualified in) with the scope to be in Canada within a year.Many thanks in advance!