I’m open to paying the $20K to bring the mortgage current, but I want to ensure my position is protected.If the deal falls through, how can I secure my $20K so I’m not left out of pocket?

My thought is my gf and I are both paying separate mortgages at the moment (combined nearly $7,000 between both of our mortgages), so even if my SFH rental isn't a net positive cashflow we'll still be bettering our financial position due to the rental income it can/will produce.  

I know if it were in the US I would explore a seller financed deal where we write a 15 year note for the property so that we essentially pay our cousins in monthly installments and take over control of the property.

The dream for me is to eventually free up my time and have enough income from real estate to be able to pay for my music projects, travel, etc. 

This investment should have done very well based on these facts, but the biggest drag on performance was the yearly high "unexpected" property tax expense ($300-500k drag on NI per year).

Most flat fee listings are willing to work with a buyer's agent and pay the buyer's agent commission.

If you can get all the bedbug containing furniture out of the place and it will sit for awhile (or let it sit while the other repairs are done) you may be able to avoid some cost, but if you want to get a paying tenant in sooner rather than later you will want to bite the bullet and get it well done.

We don't allow any "deal-making" in the forums, which includes advertising your services or properties, looking for partners, etc.

Three Months ago, low to mid 6's were available.Rates are going to continually fluctuate but if you have a way to earn 10+% on your capital, the TIME you are not using it is going to cost you way more than the extra .5% per year will.You are walking over dollars to save pennies if you are waiting for the perfect rate, half of the people who held out on getting mid 6's were waiting for high 5's.

I buy my STR's for fun so that I have cool places I want to go to for my family that pay for themselves and make some money.