--I would agree that this market has opportunities for seller finance as a record number of properties in the US are paid off. 

It sounds like you are off to a great start for 2025 and have a good plan.Finding good deals is often the most difficult part of the process. 

We were offering $300 off first month and just recently increased the incentive to 50% off first month.

The best way to navigate through all of these hurdles is to find an agent-friendly investor that is finding off-market deals solely for their clients

That's why I would target them a week before foreclosure sale and put all effort on homes that were all but certain to go off the hammer. 

Those deals are rare and starting off with such a good experience is amazing. 

Both offer unique advantages, but understanding the trade-offs is crucial for making the right decision.

Sounds like you and your wife are off to a great start with your STRs in Blue Ridge.

If it has any basis at all (such as you left the apartment during your lease term for what you felt was a justifiable reason and stopped paying rent, but the landlord disagreed) then you may be better off paying a rather small settlement.  

An example of one package we have is a Romantic Package - $199. 12 Balloons (buy the helium tanks and keep balloons on site for your team or use a local shop)Rose Petal Entry Way (bought off Amazon)2 Dozen Roses (local grocery store for $10-15 each dozen)Led Candle Display (bought off amazon and reusable)I Heart U Signs (amazon and reusable)Champagne (or wine if they want)This equals around $60-70 each time and we pay our cleaner $40 to set up.