Then make the payments no matter what.Short sales are only possible with an owner who is behind on payments and can demonstrate financial hardship.  

If buying by owner can get you a great deal, hiring atterney to help you with the offer and stuff is worth it.We personally looking for a deal like that for a small multyfalimy in NE Philadelphia to beat the crazy competition.If you don't have kids yet, you might want to check out househacking a duplex. live in one of the units for free or almost free depending on the area for a few years, save for down payment on your next home.

Closed in October 2013 at $152,000Over the next few years, I made some additions and repairs (new bedroom, bathroom, and extra kitchen in the basement), and now got two housemates - completely covered my mortgage payments.2015 rolls around and I start studying real estate a little bit more.

No more 3.5% down.So, Yes you can do it as long as you are good with the higher down payment.

Also the recent payment history on the husband has been good. 

I was initially approved for 15% down payment for a 2-4 unit, so I had a higher budget thanks to that.

My question is, are there lenders that are willing to do a loan to an unemployed person but with a 2 year history of making payments.

My mom wants to partner with me and buy property together since she has perfect credit and a better chance at being taken seriously by the banks that will give us a mortgage. we are going to go 50/50 on the down payment and all expenses/maintenance. we will be getting an fha loan and putting 3.5% down which will allow us to have a big emergency fund.

I won't have a down payment and I'm exempt from property taxes.

We figure getting our siding redone to cement plank siding and putting in standard-sized new construction windows for 10,000 - 12,000 is a better deal.Our SBA loan for our house is still processing but we were approved for 125,000 for damages and 38,000 for contents @ 1.75% for 30 years, payments deferred for the first year.