Interestingly enough I am looking to spend more time and move back to San Diego - I noticed thats where you're from.  

I want to see if it's possible to put a new lien on this property so that he can't get a construction loan without paying me back. 

- Not if you are a veteran who used a VA backed loan, because that is illegal!

Then some sellers will push back and start offering less or none at all.Buyers agents will -- as they always should have -- tell their buyers that they'll seek the commission from seller.

@Andrew Steffens - See above@John Underwood - see above@Jay Thomas - yes... agree and have thought of future appreciation although the house is so big (5,000 ft2)that it will take me so many repairs bit by bit that I feel like it will get to be time to start Renovating back at the begin again by the time I get to the 'end' of the renovation. haha creative financing is indeed the only option at that point - but then leverage becomes a larger stress point than being mortgage free-ish and just cash flowing 'passively'. also to note is that my town just approved a giant tax bill increase and I already pay 12k a year *insert eye roll emoji* 

If short term stays are allowed in your area, that might be another strategy to get some good reviews before switching back to a medium-term strategy. 

I was under contract for a 6 unit and had my core 4 laid out to BRRR and hold.

@Chandler WilliamsInvesting $10,000 into real estate is not really practical… sorry, but I've been there, back in 2009, when I was just starting, I didn't have a massive pile of cash.

I will take a steo back from trying to get her to understand the financials and just get her dreaming about a nice new home for the summer.

I'll report back and let you know how it turns out.