I've been seriously contemplating purchasing this 2bd/1ba condo in Benicia.

I have such an arrangement and we have worked out a quid pro quo.

:) If you need help finding a property manager, are looking to do a fixed rent arrangement (where a manager pays you a guaranteed, fixed amount), or just have any questions about the vacation rental industry, please let me know! 

I had initially worked out a deal with the previous owner to do a cash-for-keys arrangement where she would pay $200 / mo. and I would reimburse her the funds at an agreed upon move out date so long as the water bill current.

You need a signed lease with deposit and all that jazz, which is kind of awkward to arrange if you're still living in the place and not moving out for over a month. 

You can discuss the terms with the seller but I believe he, not you, may be able to be penalized if it is determined that he was making other arrangements while still under contract with the realtor.Cheers!

(A Single family home that has an in law arrangement in the basement.

You ended up with higher profits, and probably putting in fewer repair efforts than required in the initial arrangement.

In this scenario, you are selling a pre-arranged deal and the seller works directly with your assignee.  

One of the opportunities we are evaluating at the moment has five buildings (18 units) on one ~3acre lot - financing would be a commercial mortgage covering the entire site.Other times you may wish to have a blanket or portfolio mortgage spread over several properties - though up here (Canada) they are difficult to arrange these days (I do not think any lenders are going to offer them on residential properties).The biggest advantage (IMHO) of a blanket or portfolio mortgage is that you have the equity of several properties securing the note.