Not in a accusatory manner, but I'll ask some prodding questions re: if there are any potential leaks or the like in the home that they are aware of.

Other than being on your knees or bent at the waist, lugging bundles on to the roof is the worst part of re-roofing.6.

The owner keeps paying for and taking tax deductions for the Insurance, R E taxes, Maintenance, etc. 

If they give you 12k for the right to own 10 % of the equity ( this is all negotiable ) at a future date, their IRA does not incur the liability of owning R E within it.

But remember,  if you have overall loss, the loss is limited unless you are RE pro. 

I have been looking for deals to re-invest this equity (once I can free it up).

When I bought my duplex 3 years ago I noticed that retaining wall separating my neighbor's lot from my property was showing signs of bulging and incorrect drainage. I finally was able to get a hold of the owner and sh...

I just passed my Colorado RE exam so I could be my own realtor on future deals.

Yes many people I think can hit those numbers, butthe flip side is many of them put a lot of time into this RE thing and others are taking on risks to do so (some good risks some not so good). 

Todd, as a RE agent I should not provide an opinion on the area, however I often use the “Crime and Place” app when a Buyer asks about an area’s personal and/or property crime statistics.