Hi @Sarah Bockoven,When looking for a great CPA, you want one that specializes in real estate and working with real estate investors so that they have the appropriate knowledge to maximize your deductions, expenses, depreciation, and more. 

If the feds actually start to taper bond buying and raise rates I think we will see a decline or at least a slow down in home equity.

Do people have any recommendations on masterminds specialized in Philly?  

@David Bond, which lender do you use?

Any special considerations I should write into the contract due to the Section 8 unit?

In other words, try to connect with her first as a person who has lost someone special and then as someone who'd like to buy her home.

I understand that the security deposit needs to be in a regulated financial institution account - I currently put them into my company's chase business savings account - is this good enough or are we required to open a some kind of special dedicated account?

The main downsides of a condo purchase is HOA control, for example, with a special assessment, they can ruin a deal.

You will also need to notify the county property appraiser that you are still the beneficial owner to make sure that they won't reset the cap on the assessed value of the property for your property taxes.Regarding the note, as you are not changing the name of the mortagee, there is no transfer of the note and there should not be any doc stamp.Also, avoid the quit claim deed, use a warranty or special warranty deed instead. 

Check out what types of properties the property manager specializes in.