It will be a short pay off, but still they want to get whatever money they can.If you want to buy this short sale, get a loan and purchase it as a regular purchase. 

But it's not a regular person looking to sell their house like the class taught, it's a frustrated land-lord. 

If it was me, so long as the tenants have been there for quite some time, they have record of regular payments, and a low tendency for trouble making, I would much rather take the paycheck than the negative cash flow  straight out of the gate. 

This work for rent sounds bit extreme, but I have definitely heard of legitimate, capable workers who is willing to take a discounted pay for 1) long term, regular job and 2) dree housing.  

But it's set up as a regular ACH processing through my bank.

Carter Melvin also organized a meetup last month among BP members interested in commercial RE but not sure if there's any intention to make that a regular thing. 

I didn't go to the beach last year, I didn't go to any wineries, I missed out of birthday parties,  sleeping in is merely a dream.. it's a lot of sacrifices.Definitely agree with Kyle-- house hacking a fourplex is the smartest,easiest and fastest way to get there!! 

This will give her the benefit of a regular monthly check coming in for principal and interest on the note, so she'll still have cash flow, but she'll lower her capital gains exposure.  

Ideally you should ask what you want long term...If you think the tenant can meet your needs as a landlord while you meet your responsibilities to them then solve today's problem and set clear expectations along with regular follow ups going forward..

You can locate that office in your place you currently sleep in as long as you can close it off and have minimal distractions, especially if they are personal.