I know equity stripping techniques have already been discussed in a much more formal context. 

If your step mom is already helping out, then maybe just formalize that in a lease? 

I would implore you to get a great mentor with a true formal credit background...not just someone that's made some loans out of their IRA.

But, even those folks who are not formally educated can do well as we all have seen - it boils down to "the soft skills" that involve grit, determination, and relentless practice.

The people I have met that are super pumped up about it are people that watched one too many boiler room or wolf of Wall Street type movies and took the wrong message from it. if you need a place to hang your license and don’t want to be bothered with office formality it works but make sure you sell over $3,250,000 a year with a minimum of 3% commission or you are leaving money on the table if not losing money.

If the lender's specific desktop appraisal comes in low you can usually then pay for a formal appraisal if needed.

@V.G Jason  thanks   1) make sure you are  clear with aany agent  upfront that your plan is to use  seller financing  approach    2)  you might  get   formally   pre approved  with a lender  in case you find the  right property but the  seller  financingisnt possible 

As for malls and shopping centers, yeah, retail is hurting, virtual working is booming and with that brick & mortar work space better re-think and reinvent itself, quick.

Jeffrey's greatest chance at overall financial success in life is to work hard at a job (as in full or near full time), pursue education (formally and in areas of real estate), live frugally, and to invest as much money as possible as early as possible.

I've only been a member for a couple weeks, and I've already gotten my welcome packet and all, but I decided to post a formal introduction in search of a mentor and/or any networking opportunities for my area.I bought my first property 2 years ago and currently use as my primary residence, but intend to rent it out later.