Hi All,Newbie here. 55 yr old planning to retire in 2 years, learning about real estate investing in order to have a source of steady inflation-proof cashflow (in addition to stock dividends) prior to taking social security at age 70 - so I don't need to sell stock investments.

i'd take the 3 'more expensive up front' options, for each one list the difference in closing costs between that option & the 'cheapest up front' option, then compare your cash-on-cash return for each for the initial additional investment vs. the saved interest in year one. that would give you a starting point for if the extra investment up front is worth it or not per whatever your normal desired COCR is for any investment. but another thing to consider is, how long is the rate fixed for?

It seems additional interested party is sufficient, given I am not insuring their actions. 

Without knowing any of the additional expenses this seems to meet the basic requirements.

I'm curious to learn how others discover cash buyers and connect with additional wholesalers.

We look at the DSCR (Debt Coverage Service Ratio) , this means the loan is qualified on the cash flow of the subject property. 

If you are interested in value-add opportunities that require construction debt financing, the smaller banks who are more nimble and offer this product care more about liquidity than income.

Would this person be a partner or just a co-signer for the debt?

Dave Ramsey has one message: get out of debt.

So for $100K invested and 10% CoC on a 5 year deal with 80% total return, the deal is saying you should expect $10K each year (likey $2.5/quarter) and about $30K at the end, in addition to your $100K returned. * I like to consider IRR, the measurement that takes time value of money into account.