I did the same thing as an investor on properties I intended to hold for retirement, free and clear was the goal, the sooner the better.

If you cleared $5k I would be surprised and there is no way in hizell I am investing over $100k to make $5k.On a buy and hold, your gross rents of stated $1100 at best equates to $660 left over based on a 40% operating cost ratio (which is more of a better case scenario).

Does the seller own the property free & clear?

In the negotiations (civilly, if ever there was a misnomer...) the buyer's attorney says, "We won't persue criminal charges against you, Mr. seller/lender if you drop the foreclosure against my client and give him the house free and clear."

So, if it was purchase money it looks like you're in the clear.

I know a few who claim to loan at higher rates and points but it’s not clear how serious or how much business they do.

Thanks and just let me know if I can provide more info or if my question is not so clear.

Send mailers to Out of state owner who have owned for more than x years (more than 30 years, so you know its free and clear meaning they will be more flexible with sales price) 22.

It did surprise me that they would count taxes and insurance from a paid and clear property against me.

Yeah - clearly have to look into a different business structure.