I'm wondering how risky/wise it would be to increase my budget to $550ish knowing that I'll be earning rental income to help cover the mortgage. 

We've also had a buyer pass away between the time of signing the sales agreement and settlement.

I've since gotten the title search done and have received the sale order, but I'm still waiting on getting the deed and getting it recorded.

Example: sale price is 1m.

As engineers we tend to focus on things we can grasp with numbers and conversations, which is why I am wondering what you guys think is a good idea.

I too wondered why it's outside the US.

Just treat them like a neighbor and you are canvassing the neighborhood because you are looking for a house to buy and you were wondering if they would consider an offer.5.

Karyn, best of luck on your wonderful real estate investment path!

Can you explain what this mean "The IRS recognizes an installment sale as a way to defer a capital gain on a property sale.

If you are on the fence with respect to purchasing real estate, then you can always add language in the sales agreement permitting the assignment to an entity you will create for the purchase the real estate.