There seams to be this implied notion that if you pay someone in rent that you will get more value for your dollar.

If you don't want to live in it and can get a 10% down investor loan, find out how many points to pay the loan down to match OO rates, then you could just lower the offer by that or ask the seller to contribute the price of the buy-down.

Underwriters will gladly approve loans that leave you zero each month to: contribute to church/charity, enjoy a stress-free life, take a vacation, etc., you get the point.Make sure you have your backup plan in place to bail you out if the hoped-for higher income doesn't materialize, and your monthly expenses begin to exceed your income (such as selling a vehicle that has a payment on it, maintaining liquid reserves, etc.).Sorry, not trying to lecture, but living without financial anxiety is priceless.

I have even had a seller contribute funds, real cash to a transaction, acquired the property without a dime of my money in the deal, 120+ funding by the seller!

Geez James... save some for the rest of us to contribute :P

My father contributed 14k total cash and did most the rehab work, I'm about $35k personally invested, and we have another $16K unrealized losses.The home rents for $900 and has a mortgage payment of $587, insurance $60, taxes of $100, so $747 a month, or $153 cashflow rented.

Thanks to everyone that is contributing and to Chris for starting it.

Also VERY cool that even though you're new, you find a way to contribute by posting your knowledge here.

thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread, helped a ton!

I will be meeting with him tomorrow to find out more information.While I don't feel like I have much to contribute I have been reading all kinds of articles, posts, and podcasts in the last week, and really like the culture that has been created!