Possibly should have done something about the deposit but everything that happened with him moving out was essentially conducted without notice to me and it's hard to say now whether I even found out he wasn't there within 30 days of his actually moving out.4.

They handle:Monthly Payment ProcessingEscrow for Taxes and Insurance: They ensure property taxes and insurance are paid, which is essential to protect your interest in the property.Record Keeping: They also maintain records, which can be invaluable if any issues arise during the term of the loan.ConclusionGiven the details of your property and the $200,000 sales price, a possible scenario could look like this:Down Payment: 10% ($20,000)Loan Amount: $180,000Interest Rate: 8%Amortization: 30 yearsMonthly Payment: Approximately $1,320 (principal and interest)Balloon Payment: Due in 5 or 7 years (this allows for refinancing or payoff while giving you some flexibility).These terms are flexible and can be adjusted based on the buyer’s credit, down payment size, and negotiation.

Key elements include paperwork, third-party inspections, and critical dates for due diligence and closing.

If this is the case I run the risk of becoming underwater on the mortgage and getting myself essentially stuck in a property I don't want to be in long term.

If the separating wall is a load bearing fire wall, it would have 2 sets of framing material on either side, essentially you have 2 completly independent houses joined by the roof, you can go in the attic and see if you see sheetrock going to the ridge of the roof. 

There's also all the expenses w/ housecleaner and essentials for the house. 

So we think flood insurance on this one is a wasted expense each year, and can go away when we are no longer tied to bank financing.Screening and vetting: As with every property, vetting good tenants is essential to success.

I look forward to learning from you all as I strive to master this element of real estate.  

It seems that pushing them to do their jobs is always essential; - There is a lack of horizontal connections between employees.

These elements show the overall economic health of an area, which directly impacts real estate demand.