Generally it is easiest to buy directly from homeowners or investors.

So the math/finance/running the numbers side of deals is easiest/happiest for me, I love that stuff.

We decided to give them all their rent/security deposit back to get them out right away, but of course, they left a parting gift of a dirty house (they had 4 kids), a washcloth flushed down the toilet causing a major clog for the plumber to clear out, and a week's worth of water/sewer/electric/gas bills.

I'm sure there will be hiccups down the road.Some things I need to see now from a partner/provider in an out of are market are:Person actually invests in the same market for their own portfolio.Clear conveyance of local market knowledge (good/bad areas, which unit mix fits the demographic/rent the easiest, economic drivers/strong points of the local economyHave a solid understanding of my purchase criteria AND long term goals.Willing & able to answer all my questions honestly.Is very tech savvy and can give email updates/pictures/videos frequently.

What if ownership transferred to you solely and you worked out a "gift" of sorts to compensate for equity share belonging to your mother?

and the faucet as a gift had to have been a lot better than a washing machine...

It's the minimum percentage rate lenders have to charge so the loan won't be looked at as a gift.

One of the easiest litmus tests for REO trading in the Detroit area, IMO, is asking if the Seller will provide a Warranty Deed.

Which do you think would be the easiest to wholesale in consistently and find good buyers for?

If this friend gifted me the 5k or paid me for "services" and then I bought the property through my LLC would that work since its under 10K?