I've looked everywhere - read books, attended REI meetings, but nobody seems to talk about that step - they seem to avoid it.

I would like to try and avoid short sale process and buy this contract for deed.

Try to avoid buying with emotion (impossible, but try) and be willing to walk away if needed.

For your first deal, there is no way to avoid the emotion roller coaster ride you will be on, and your agent and loan officer know it better than you, and will use this to close you--regardless if whether this is a good investment or not.

I would like to start with the ground floor since that stove is ready to go.Also, if you are in central MA and have any contacts for people who can do the job, let me know!

I've been working with Bryan and others on new home builds in central east Austin, but wouldn't mind some rentals, too.

I am of he opinion that one should use every advantage to legally avoid or postpone tax consequences.

Karen- How do you send advance principal payments while avoiding the interest charge?

your problem is solved, I'll suffer the slings and arrows of higher taxes for you.If you are W2, then the only way to avoid that 150k is to go ask for pay cut.

There is no garage or shed, but does have central air.The inside appears to have been trashed, new flooring, patch several holes (dry wall), the kitchen needs replaced and I believe the bathroom will also.