You can save Realtor fees (maybe) but you need a good RE attorney to make sure you're covered legally...http://besthouseswap.com/https://propertyswap.net/

I know this is not what you want to hear, but $30,000 claims are rarely worth the pursuit when considering the legal fees involved. 

I purchased with a an FHA loan and only had to put 3.5% down, but there are a ton of fees that come up with closing costs that you need to factor in.

I have a background in Operations and love data, but there are factors at play relative to occupancy in this space that are less about the data and more about how you work it and the experience you provide.

If I was a sporadic client, I'm sure the fees would be higher.

Or am I on the right track by avoiding fees and points and keep partnering with my dad.

Should that cost comparison be a factor to choose one over other? 

It's the same work to do a $50K loan as a $500K loan so the fees will be higher due to the loan amount but will still be much lower than what a lender or broker gets paid on a higher loan amount.

Also, how can I make sure it's a clean buy as in there are no other outstanding loans, HOA fees, liens, ECT on the house?  

4- how much in fees (sales, admin, etc.) were taken out of each $50k unit and how much went to property purchase/improvements?