I can/will do a decent amount of the work eventually, as I like that and have some of the skills.  

1 to 4 unit properties trade based on sales comparables.

Just remember that there is a trade off with everything and that property may be worth the same 5-10 years from now that you paid for it.

Never again.If you do it yourself it's timely and unless you're a very skilled painter they won't look great.  

I am an accountant by trade but am ready to get my Real Estate career in full force.  

I'd negotiate....I used to be an agent and I've sold houses for small fees to get the buy side on a larger home, I've taken my commission in trade for cars, boats, electronics and all kinds of things.

I was curious, because it looked too good to be true with big white columns (looked like an old courthouse or something), high end finishes, and the same verbiage about taking a loss and might be willing to do trades of some sort.  

If I had very little skill in RE and no way of using the ~$200k to make more money, I would go with plan B.

We would like to know from a cost perspective and communication skill set level.Thanks!

My goal is to learn the real estate trade from the ground up.