With that said- there are other programs that can accomplish similar benefits in terms of minimal down payment options, etc. 

In majority of instances seller financing for the seller is a horrible idea and should only be an option when the home doesn’t get conventional financingMany will disagree with above which is fine - it’s similar to winning lottery and taking lump sum over payments.

Hi Rodeana, welcome to Bigger Pockets!

I am looking at a mixed use property and I am not too familiar with the loan options available. 

Few options to consider:1) contact FREC to report violations of their duties as licensed real estate brokerage.

. - $12,500 "profit".With Real Estate, say we get $200k property, and now were $50k out of pocket "invested". 

Thank you Steven, I have a great contractor in Ohio, very good so far but yes I see it as very risky so weighing my options....

The great thing about doing a 1031 exchange is that you have infinite exchange options.

Alternatively, if something were to arise in our life (emergency or otherwise) while this money was tied up in an investment, we're left with few good options. 2) Time is not something I have much of.

When people mean by bringing cash to the closing is that you must have funds to close -- whether they be from your own pocket or someone else's pocket.