Here's the breakdown:Financing: We used a seller carry deal with 25% down ($100k), a 30-year term (balloon in 10 years), and a 4.68% interest rate.

It’s taken a lot of work, and a lot of lessons learned.

Hello,I am a Software Engineer and a Real Estate Investor working on a tech product for the real estate mortgage brokers.

That makes a real difference.Initially we had one originator, one part-time processor, and a part-time admin assistant. 

It includes HVAC filter and a few 'free' things (like one free lock out or something like that).

We had to do a lot of electrical work, bathroom, kitchen rehab, total paint and a new roof.

The best thing to get started is building your team - a lender and a RE agent who know the Duluth market!

Once you find someone willing to let you shadow them, approach it with professionalism and a willingness to learn.

Id keep looking if it was not an approved short sale ( even an approved short sale takes a very very long time and theres no guarantee that you will even close on the house after months of waiting). q1)There are plenty of non traditional lenders that could offer you construction financing if the numbers make sense but it will cost you with points and a higher rate.

The fear of renting while out of town is common, but it's easy to overcome, especially when you have friends and a handyman.