The best thing to do is talk to several lenders, including traditional banks, portfolio lenders, and others to see what they give you.  

I was first afraid to borrow from friends, family and acquaintances because I did not want to be seen as poor or unable to get a traditional loan because of credit issues.  

I would hope this would launch me into traditional REI, otherwise the barrier to entry would be quite high for my family & our financi circumstance.Thx for sharing your stories.

For those of you who know about this company, i do realize if i keep the place a long time Unsion will get way more from me than a traditional interest loan.  

. - with an individual owner, you can easily locate their information on public records and market to them with all traditional methods (DMM, PPC, cold calling, door knocking, etc)- with a corporate owner, you probably need to have a tighter game plan (network with commercial brokers, formal mailings)the type of property will make all the difference with your marketing

I know that banks usually don't lend on a property that is in pretty bad condition, so we've been looking at places just need cosmetic upgrades like kitchen, bathroom, finishing a basement or mud room, landscaping, etc.

Be sure that you highlight that "selling your house can be easier than you think" with the advantages of working directly with you instead of the more traditional route.Good luck!

Traditionally, large companies installing plants become game changers when they are investing in rural areas without significant development.

I read somewhere that a study showed there was something like a 19% premium paid for 1031 transactions versus traditional sales. 

As for financing, a Boarding House would not qualify for 'traditional' financing (page 268 of the FNMA Selling Guide under ineligible properties) and you'd need seller financing or a commercial bank.